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Dear Members:
I am pleased to bring you greetings from the 451,329
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Some do not think of North America as having any special
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DAYBREAK SERIES
April—June/1980
Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 340/April-June, 1980
Contns
1.
Jesus, the Faithful and True
Witness
2.
The Testimony of Jesus
3.
The Churches of the Catacombs
4.
The Churches of the Cathedrals
5.
The Churches of the Reformation
and Revival
6.
The Church of the Last Days
7.
"You Know What Hour It Is"
8.
"The Hour of...Judgment Is Come"
9.
A Message for Our Time
10.
Come Out of Babylon, My People
11.
The Third Angel's Message
12.
Repairers of the Breach
13.
"Behold, He Cometh With
Clouds"
The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department
of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons
is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which
serve as consulting editors.
Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012
Lesson Author: Jean Zurcher
Editor: W. Richard Lesher
Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore
Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat
Art and Design: Pacific Press
Braille lessons available. See page 112.
Adult Sabbath School Lessons (standard edition). Published quarterly by Pacific
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Copyright © 1980 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
just f
r
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Our daily study is more than a perfect record.
Through it comes knowledge of "The Word."
Your Adult Sabbath School Lesson is designed to
fill the need.
THE WITNESS OF JESUS
INTRODUCTION
The Sabbath School lessons this quarter are devoted to the study of the testimony
of Jesus as revealed in the book of Revelation. They are not an exhaustive study of the
entire book, but rather a careful examination of the prophetic messages that the
faithful and true Witness addresses to His church, exhorting her to bear her testimony
during every period of her history, from the apostolic age to the end of time.
Particular attention is given to the messages that directly concern us today: first,
the one addressed to the church of Laodicea and then those of the three angels of
Revelation 14. Pioneers of the advent movement studied these messages profoundly
and systematically. Their faith and their testimony depend upon that study. Is that not
also true today?
"Many have entertained the idea that the book of Revelation is a sealed book, and
they will not devote time and study to its mysteries. They say that they are to keep
looking to the glories of salvation, and that the mysteries revealed to John on the Isle
of Patmos are worthy of less consideration than these. But God does not so regard
this book. . . .
"
It should be studied with reverential awe."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 954.
"Let none think, because they cannot explain the meaning of every symbol in the
Revelation, that it is useless for them to search this book in an effort to know the
meaning of the truth it contains. The One who revealed these mysteries to John will
give the diligent searcher for truth a foretaste of heavenly things. Those whose hearts
are open to the reception of truth will be enabled to understand its teachings, and will
be granted the blessing promised to those who 'hear the words of this prophecy, and
keep those things which are written therein.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 584,
585.
The finishing of God's work on earth, which was entrusted to the remnant church,
depends upon our understanding of the testimony of Jesus and upon our fidelity in
proclaiming God's last message for humanity as revealed in the three angels' mes-
sages of Revelation 14. In order for our understanding to grow, we must study it over
and over again. Only in this way can we render an effective testimony.
"When we as a people understand what this book [Revelation) means to us, there
will be seen among us a great revival."—Testimonies
to Ministers,
p. 113.
7
LESSON 1
March 30 to April 5
e Febtut
Witness
"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as
dead. And he laid his right hand upon
me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the
first and the last: I am he that liveth,
and was dead; and, behold, I am alive
for evermore, Amen" (Rev. 1:17, 18).
These are the words that open the
dialogue between the prophet on
Patmos and Jesus Christ, the faithful
and true Witness. It is also as the
faithful and true Witness that Jesus
delivers His message to the church of
Laodicea, and, finally, when He
appears sitting upon a white horse as
King of kings and Lord of lords, His
name is given as "Faithful and True"
(Rev. 19:11).
All the work of Christ bears the
hallmark of incomparable fidelity.
Speaking of the faithfulness of Moses,
the author of the Epistle to the
Hebrews says, "Now Moses was
faithful in all
-
God's house as a servant,
to testify to the things that were to be
spoken later, but," he adds, "Christ
was faithful over God's house as a son.
And we are his house if we hold fast
our confidence and pride in our hope"
(Heb. 3:5, 6, RSV).
Jesus is not only the faithful
Witness; He is also God's only true or
perfect witness. It was to bear witness
of His Father that Jesus came to this
world, and He did this to deliver us
from the power of delusion and make
us participants in the "g,lorious liberty
of the children of God" (Rom. 8:21).
"Therefore we ought to give the
more earnest heed to the things which
we have heard, lest at any time we
should let them slip. For if the word
spoken by angels was stedfast, and
every transgression and disobedience
received a just recompence of reward;
how shall we escape, if we neglect so
great salvation; which at the first
began to be spoken by the Lord, and
was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him; God also bearing them
witness, both with signs and wonders,
and with divers miracles, and gifts of
the Holy Ghost, according to his own
will?" (Heb. 2:1-4).
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Faithful and True
Witness
(Rev. 1:5; 3:14)
2.
Witness of Truth
(John 18:37)
3.
The Witness of God
(1 John 5:9-12)
4.
The Power of God
5.
True Words of God
(Rev. 19:9; 21:5; 22:6; 2 Tim. 3:16)
6.
Blessed Is He That Reads,
Hears, and Keeps
(Rev. 1:3)
Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness
LESSON 1
Sunday
March 30
Part 1
What unique title does the book of Revelation give to Jesus
THE FAITHFUL Christ?
AND TRUE
WITNESS
"From Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness" (Rev. 1:5).
"These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness"
(Rev. 3:14).
The Revelation is the only book in the New Testament that
gives the title of "witness" to our Lord. Jesus is the perfect
witness, the only authentic and true witness. All other witnesses
named in the Bible are cited because of their connection with
Jesus. They are not simply called "witnesses," but "witness of
Jesus."
Of whom is Jesus the faithful and true witness? In what
sense? John 1:18; 1 John 5:20.
By nature Jesus is God's authentic witness. He is "the bright-
ness of his glory, and the express image of his person" (Heb.
1:3). Being the true expression of the nature of God, Jesus alone
is able to reveal the only true God, of whom He is the perfect
expression of His character, His mind, His will. "If ye had known
me," Jesus said, "ye should have known my Father also.... He
that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:7-9).
"He [Christ] is the manifestation of the Father, and is called
the Word of God. God sent His Son into the world, His divinity
clothed wjth humanity, that man might bear the image of the
invisible God. He made known in His words, His character, His
power and majesty, the nature and attributes of God. Divinity
flashed through humanity in softening, subduing light. He was
the embodiment of the law of God, which is the transcript of His
character."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
vol. 5, p. 1131.
THINK IT THROUGH
To what extent is Jesus the source of knowledge for me
concerning the only true God?
"Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to
whomsoever the Son will reveal him" (Matt. 11:27). "I am not
come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me" (John
7:28, 29). "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have
known my Father also" (John 14:6, 7).
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 19, 20.
10
Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness
LESSON 1
Monday
March 31
Part 2
WITNESS
OF TRUTH
For what purpose did Jesus come into this world?
"To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the
world, that I should bear witness unto the truth" (John 18:37).
As the authentic and true witness, the testimony of Jesus can
only pertain to truth. "John frequently ... uses the word [truth]
in a wider sense to denote what is true in things pertaining to
God and the duties of man, or in a more restricted sense the
facts taught in the Christian religion concerning God and the
execution of His purposes through Christ. This revelation had
been given by Jesus (ch. 1:17). He, in fact, was 'the truth' (ch.
14:6). He was 'full of grace and truth' (ch. 1:14)."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
vol. 5, pp. 989, 990.
"In His life, Christ's words had perfect illustration and sup-
port. And more than this; what He taught, He was. His words
were the expression, not only of His own life experience, but of
His own character. Not only did He teach the truth, but He was
the
truth."—Education,
pp. 78, 79.
Where, today, as in former times, do we find witness borne
to Jesus and to truth? John 5:39; 17:17.
The close relationship between Jesus and the Scriptures is
not sufficiently emphasized. To the one as to the other, the Bible
gives the name "Word of God." Whereas Christ is the Word of
God made human flesh, the Scriptures are the Word of God in
human language. Divinely inspired, the Written Word is only a
means. Its testimony leads to a knowledge of the Living Word of
God. Actually the witness and the testimony are inseparable—
Christ is revealed to us through the Scriptures, and the Scrip-
tures are given to reveal Jesus Christ to us.
THINK IT THROUGH
To what extent is the witness of Jesus, borne by the Written
Word, the foundation of my spiritual life?
"The great principles of the law, of the very nature of God, are
embodied in the words of Christ on the mount. Whoever builds
upon them is building upon Christ, the Rock of Ages. In receiv-
ing the word, we receive Christ. And only those who thus receive
His words are building upon Him. 'Other foundation can no man
lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.' 1 Corinthians 3:11.
'There is none other name under heaven, given among men,
whereby we must be saved.' Acts 4:12. Christ, the Word, the
revelation of God,—the manifestation of His character, His law,
His love, His life,—is the only foundation upon which we can
build a character that will end u
re."—Thoughts From the Mount
of Blessing,
pp. 148, 149.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 402, 403.
11
2-A.L. 2-80
Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness
LESSON 1
Tuesday
April 1
Part 3
THE WITNESS
OF GOD
What is inherent in the witness of God expressed in Jesus?
"This is the witness of God which he hath testified of his
Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in
himself. ... And this is the record, that God hath given to us
eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath
life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life" (1 John
5:9-12).
He who confesses the deity of Jesus receives the testimony of
God. In this way God imparts to him the very life of the Son.
Gospel truth becomes his truth, the premise of his life. The
object of the divine witness is our quickening through commun-
ion with the Son of God. To him who believes His testimony God
gives the eternal life that is in His Son. From that moment he
shares the life that proceeds from the Father through the unique
Mediator of life, Jesus Christ.
"Only the believer in Christ can receive life everlasting. Only
by continually feeding on Christ's flesh and blood can we have
the assurance that we are partakers of the divine nature. No one
should be indifferent on this subject, saying, If we are honest, it
is no matter what we believe. You cannot with safety surrender
any seed of vital truth in order to please yourself or anybody
else. Do not seek to avoid the cross. If we receive no light from
the Sun of Righteousness, we have no connection with the
Source of all light; and if this life and light do not abide in us, we
can never be
saved."—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 299.
What promise is made to him who receives the testimony
borne by Jesus? John 1:12, 13.
"John here brands as error the belief that simply because
Christ died for all men, all will therefore be saved. Marked
equally false is the belief that God predestines certain men to be
saved and others to be damned. John emphatically declares
that the decisive factor lies with men themselves—`as many' as
receive and believe are granted access to sonship."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 900.
THINK IT THROUGH
Can I say with Paul, "For to me to live is Christ"?
"This is the most perfect interpretation in a few words, in all
the Scriptures, of what it means to be a Christian. This is the
whole truth of the gospel. Paul understood what many seem
unable to comprehend. How intensely in earnest he was! His
words show that his mind was centered in Christ, that his whole
life was bound up with his Lord. Christ was the author, the
support, and the source of his life."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 903.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"The Test of Discipleship," pp. 62-65.
12
Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness
LESSON 1
Wednesday
April 2
Part 4
THE POWER
OF GOD
THINK IT THROUGH
What are other effects of the testimony of Jesus in the life of
the believer?
The testimony of Jesus as presented to us in the Gospels, and
in all Scripture, is truly "the power of God unto salvation to
every one that believeth" (Rom. 1:16). Under the imperceptible
influence of the Spirit, the Written Word becomes the instru-
ment by which God effects .the salvation of man, the sword of
the Spirit by which He persuades the sinner to pass from death
unto life.
Here are 10 ways in which God's Word brings about transfor-
mation in the life:
1.
It "lighteth every man" (John 1:9).
2.
It awakens the conscience (Heb. 4:12, 13).
3.
It serves as judge (John 12:48).
4.
It leads to faith (Rom. 10:17).
5.
It begets new life (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18).
6.
It frees from the power of sin (John 8:31, 32).
7.
It purifies the soul (1 Peter 1:22; John 15:3).
8.
It sanctifies believer and church (John 17:17; Eph. 5:26).
9.
It determines the Christian witness (Phil. 2:15, 16).
10.
It leads to the Source of life eternal (John 5:24, 39).
"Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink. And as in
the natural, so in the spiritual economy; it is that which our
minds dwell upon which sustains the spiritual nature.... [John
6:63 quoted]. Spiritual life must be sustained by communion
with Christ through His Word. The mind must dwell upon it, the
heart must be filled with it. The Word of God laid up in the heart
and sacredly cherished and obeyed, through the power of the
grace of Christ can make man right, and keep him right; but
every human influence, every earthly invention, is powerless to
give strength and wisdom to man. It cannot restrain passion, or
correct deformity of character. Unless the truth of God controls
the heart, the conscience will be
warped."—Selected Mes-
sages,
bk. 2, p. 125.
Has the divine Communicator been able to form my charac-
ter after the likeness of Christ through the Written Word?
"Even greater is the power of the Bible in the development of
the spiritual nature. Man, created for fellowship with God, can
only in such fellowship find his real life and development.
Created to find in God his highest joy, he can find in nothing else
that which can quiet the cravings of the heart, can satisfy the
hunger and thirst of the soul. lie who with sincere and teachable
spirit studies God's word, seeking to comprehend its truths, will
be brought in touch with its Author; and, except by his own
choice, there is no limit to the possibilities of his develop-
ment."--Education, pp. 124, 125.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"What to Do With Doubt," pp. 109-113.
13
Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness
LESSON 1
Thursday
April 3
Part 5
TRUE WORDS
OF GOD
THINK IT THROUGH
How should we consider the words in the book of Revelation
as well as those in all the Bible?
"He saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God" (Rev.
19:9).
"He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faith-
ful" (Rev. 21:5).
"He said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true" (Rev.
22:6).
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
. . . for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).
"It takes all of eternity to unfold the glories and bring out the
precious treasures of the Word of God. Do not let any living man
come to you and begin to dissect God's Word, telling what is
revelation, what is inspiration and what is not, without a rebuke.
Tell all such they simply do not know. They simply are not ableto
comprehend the things of the mystery of God. What we want is
to inspire faith. We want no one to say, 'This I will reject, and this
will I receive,' but we want to have implicit faith in the Bible as a
whole and as it is."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol.
7, p. 919.
What solemn warning does the Saviour address explicitly to
anyone who takes the liberty of manipulating His message in
Revelation and, by extension, in all the Bible? Rev. 22:18,19.
"Such are the warnings which God has given to guard men
against changing in any manner that which He has revealed or
commanded. These solemn denunciations apply to all who by
their influence lead men to regard lightly the law of God.... The
written word, the law of God, will measure the character of every
man and condemn all whom this unerring test shall declare
wanting."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 268.
What are my purposes in searching the Scriptures? To find
something to uphold my opinions? To know what God says?
"Never attempt to search the Scriptures unless you are ready
to listen, unless you are ready to be a learner, unless you are
ready to listen to the Word of God as though His voice were
speaking directly to you from the living oracles. Never let mortal
man sit in judgment upon the Word of God or pass sentence as
to how much of this is inspired and how much is not inspired,
and that this is more inspired than some other portions. God
warns him off that ground. God has not given him any such work
to do."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
7, p. 919.
FURTHER STUDY
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
pp. 386, 387;
Educa-
tion,
pp. 189-191.
14
Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness
LESSON 1
Friday
April 4
Part 6
What promise is made at the beginning of the book of Reve-
BLESSED IS HE lation?
THAT READS,
HEARS, AND
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of
KEEPS this prophecy, and keep those things which are written
therein" (Rev. 1:3).
The Revelation contains seven beatitudes (1:3; 14:13; 16:15;
19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14). The first and the sixth are related to the
book itself. The first declares, "Blessed is he that readeth, and
they that hear ... , and keep"; and the sixth repeats, "Blessed is
he that keepeth" the words of this prophecy.
A benediction is pronounced upon those who pay due regard
to this communication. The blessing is promised to encourage
a study of this book. We are not to weary of it because of its
apparently mystical symbols. Christ can give us understanding.
"There should be a closer and more diligent study of the
Revelation, and a more earnest presentation of the truths it
contains—truths which concern all who are living in these last
days."—Evangelism,
p. 197.
Who alone will finally receive a blessing? Rev. 22:7.
"He that keepeth" is the one for whom the revelation of God
had not been in vain. Jesus declares, "Blessed are they that hear
the word of God, and keep it" (Luke 11:28); and again, "My
mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God,
and do it" (Luke 8:21). He also points out in Matt. 7:24-27 the dif-
ference between those who merely hear and those who hear
and do the words of Jesus. This hearing and doing is the pa-
tience of the saints. (See Rev. 14:12.)
THINK IT THROUGH
What can a study of Revelation do for me?
"When we as a people understand what this book [Revela-
tion] means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival.
We do not understand fully the lessons that it teaches, not-
withstanding the injunction given us to search and study it....
"When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better under-
stood, believers will have an entirely different religious experi-
ence. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of
heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character
that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is
to be the reward of the pure in heart."
"If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of
the events portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be
wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the
message."—Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 113, 114, 118.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 112-114.
15
LESSON 2
April 6-12
a The Testimony
of Jesus
"The dragon was wroth with the
woman, and went to make war with
the remnant of her seed, which keep
the commandments of God, and have
the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev.
12:17).
Since Jesus has been presented to
us as the incomparable Witness, "the
faithful and true witness," He must
perforce have a testimony. He
revealed that testimony to His servants
the prophets who, by "the Spirit of
Christ which was in them ... , testified
beforehand the sufferings of Christ,
and theglo that should follow"
(1 Peter 1:11).
y
"God, who at sundry times and in
divers manners spake in time past
unto the fathers by the prophets, hath
in these last days spoken unto us by his
Son" (Heb. 1:1, 2). Jesus justified the
prophetic word when He came into
the world; He bore witness to the
truth and to His Father who sent Him.
(See John 5:36.)
However, Jesus was unable to reveal
all that He wished during His earthly
ministry, even to His disciples. "I have
yet many things to say unto you, but ye
cannot bear them now" (John 16:12).
"But," He promised, "when the
Comforter is come, whom I will send
unto you from the Father, even the
Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from
the Father, he shall testify of me: and
ye also shall bear witness, because ye
have been with me from the
beginning" (John 15:26, 27).
This promise was realized in a
special way in the revelations made to
John, "who bare record of the word of
God, and of the testimony of Jesus
Christ, and of all things that he saw"
(Rev. 1:2). Repeatedly the apostle was
told to write the things that had been
revealed to him and to send them to
the seven churches designated by
Jesus.
"In the providence of God, John
was placed where Christ could give
him a wonderful revelation of Himself
and of divine truth for the
enlightenment of the
churches."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 581.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Testimony of Jesus
(Rev. 1:2, 9)
2.
The Faithful Witnesses
(Rev. 1:9)
3.
The Spirit of Prophecy
(Rev. 19:10)
4.
The Gift of Prophecy
(Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Cor. 12:28)
5.
The Remnant Church
(Rev. 12:17)
6.
Write to the Seven Churches
(Rev. 1:11)
The Testimony of Jesus
LESSON 2
Sunday
April 6
Part 1
THE TESTIMONY
OF JESUS
How is the message given by the "faithful and true witness"
designated in the book of Revelation?
"John . . . bare record of the word of God, and of the tes-
timony of Jesus Christ."
"I John ... was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word
of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 1:2, 9).
Repeatedly in the book of Revelation it speaks of "the tes-
timony of Jesus Christ" (ch. 1:2, 9; 12:17), "the testimony of
Jesus" (ch. 19:10), or simply the "testimony" (ch. 6:9; 11:7;
12:11). "In the Greek this phrase [testimony of Jesus Christ] may
be understood either as the 'testimony' (or 'witness') Christians
bear concerning Jesus, or as the 'testimony' (or 'witness') that
originates with Jesus and is revealed to His church through the
prophets. . . . A comparison with ch. 19:10 clearly favors the
latter interpretation. There the 'testimony of Jesus' is defined as
the 'spirit of prophecy,' meaning that Jesus is witnessing to the
church through the medium of prophecy."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary, vol.
7, p. 812.
What other expressions are associated with "the testimony
of Jesus"? Rev. 1:2, 9; 12:17.
The expression "testimony of Jesus" is associated with either
"the word of God" or "the commandments of God." The ex-
pression does not deal with the witness of the Scriptures, but of
Jesus Himself. The testimony of the Revelation is the fact that
Jesus is the "Word of God" (Rev. 19:13), so that, in reality, the
two are one and the same. This parallelism is also used in
Revelation 1:1, 2.
THINK IT THROUGH
How important to me is the testimony of Jesus revealed to
the prophet John on Patmos?
"We have been given a message exceeding in importance any
other message ever entrusted to mortals. This message Christ
came in person to the Isle of Patmos to present to John. He told
him to write down what he saw and heard during his vision, that
the churches might know what was to come upon the earth....
"The word, 'Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, be-
cause thou hast left thy first love,' is applicable to many living in
this time. God calls for immediate repentance and reformation.
It is time for a great change to take place among the people who
are looking for the second appearing of their Lord. Soon
strange things will take place. God will hold us responsible for
the way in which we treat the truth."—Medical
Ministry,
pp. 37,
38.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 578-581.
18
The Testimony of Jesus
LESSON 2
Monday
April 7
Part 2
THE FAITHFUL
WITNESSES
What happened to John because of the word of God and the
testimony of Jesus?
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribu-
lation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in
the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the
testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 1:9).
"In exiling John, the enemies of truth had hoped to silence
forever the voice of God's faithful witness; but on Patmos the
disciple received a message, the influence of which was to
continue to strengthen the church till the end of time. Though
not released from the responsibility of their wrong act, those
who banished John became instruments in the hands of God to
carry out Heaven's purpose; and the very effort to extinguish the
light placed the truth in bold relief."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 581.
What has happened to other witnesses for the same rea-
son? Rev. 6:9; 20:4.
"When the fifth seal was opened; John the Revelator in vision
saw beneath the altar the company that were slain for the Word
of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 968.
"The enemy of righteousness left nothing undone in his effort
to stop the work committed to the Lord's builders.... Like the
apostles, many of them fell at their post, but the building of the
temple went steadily forward. The workmen were slain, but the
work advanced."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 598.
THINK IT THROUGH
What valuable lesson can I learn from the experience of
those Christians who have the "testimony of Jesus"?
"In the experience of the apostle John under persecution,
there is a lesson of wonderful strength and comfort for the
Christian. God does not prevent the plotting of wicked men, but
He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial
and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty. Often the gospel
laborer carries on his work amid storms of persecution, bitter
opposition, and unjust reproach. At such times let him re-
member that the experience to be gained in the furnace of trial
and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus God brings His
children near to Him, that He may show them their weakness
and His strength. He teaches them to lean on Him. Thus He
prepares them to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust,
and to accomplish the great purpose for which their powers
were given them."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 574, 575.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 649-652.
19
The Testimony of Jesus
LESSON 2
Tuesday
April 8
Part 3
THE SPIRIT
OF PROPHECY
What meaning did John give to the expression "the tes-
timony of Jesus"?
"I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the
testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is
the spirit of prophecy" (Rev. 19:10).
According to this scripture, the testimony of Jesus and the
spirit of prophecy are identical; in other words, all true prophets
have the testimony of Jesus, and all who have the testimony of
Jesus are prophets in the sense that they are mouthpieces or
witnesses for Jesus.
"The word 'prophecy' describes any inspired message com-
municated by God through a prophet. . . . Prophecy may be a
prediction of future events, though more commonly it is not.
The expression 'spirit of prophecy' refers specifically to the
'manifestation of the Spirit' in the form of a special gift of the
Holy Spirit that inspires the recipient and enables him to speak
authoritatively as a representative of God (1 Cor. 12:7-10) when
'moved by the Holy Ghost' to do so (2 Peter 1:21). The context of
the expression in Rev. 19:10 defines 'the testimony of Jesus'
and 'the spirit of prophecy' in this sense."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary, vol.
7, p. 876.
What other detail proves that angels do Indeed confer the
testimony of Jesus to prophets? Rev. 19:10; 22:8, 9.
"The close relationship between the 'testimony of Jesus' and
prophecy is further demonstrated by a comparison between
chs. 19:10 and 22:9. In ch. 19:10 the angel identifies himself as
'thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of
Jesus,' and in ch. 22:9 as 'thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren
the prophets.' Thus, on the reasonable conclusion that these
two expressions of the angel are parallel, those who have the
testimony of Jesus are identified with the prophets. Since it is
the distinctive work of the prophets to bear messages from
Jesus to the people ... , the interpretation that the testimony of
Jesus refers to the 'testimony,' or 'witness,' that Jesus bears to
the church is strongly supported."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol.
7, p. 812.
THINK IT THROUGH
What attention do I give to the prophecies of Revelation?
"The solemn messages that have been given in their order in
the Revelation are to occupy the first place in the minds of God's
people. . . .
" . . Will not those who profess to have a knowledge of the
truth read the testimony given to John by Christ
?"—Testi-
monies,
vol. 8, p. 302.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. viii-xii.
20
The Testimony
of Jesus
LESSON 2
Wednesday
April 9
Part 4
What can be assumed by the fact that the promise of the gift
THE GIFT OF of prophecy was made to the church for the same reason as
PROPHECY were the other gifts? Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Cor. 12:28.
"New Testament writers nowhere suggest that the gift of
prophecy was to end with the apostolic church. On the contrary,
Paul declares that, with the other gifts of the Spirit he lists in
Eph. 4:11, it was to continue 'till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect
man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ' (v.
13). All of the other special gifts mentioned in v. 11 are still
needed in the church, and men and women are still qualified by
the Holy Spirit to fill these offices. Why should the office of
prophet be considered an exception?"—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary, vol.
7, p. 876.
What solemn warning did the apostles give? 1 Thess. 5:21;
1 John 4:1.
"Our Lord warned that the Christian church would be trou-
bled by false prophets, particularly as the time for His second
advent should draw near (Matt. 24:11, 24). The deceptive power
of these false prophets was to be so great that if it were possible
they would 'deceive the very elect.' The fact that Christ warned
against a false manifestation of the prophetic gift prior to His
second coming argues strongly that there would also be a
genuine manifestation of this gift, as otherwise He could simply
have warned against any and all prophets who might arise."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, pp. 876, 877.
THINK IT THROUGH
By what criteria am I able to judge the true prophet from the
false?
"The Scriptures specify certain standards by which those
who profess to speak for God are to be measured: (1) The
personal life of the prophet will be in harmony with the teach-
ings of Scripture (Matt. 7:15-20). (2) His messages will likewise
accord with Scripture. (3) His ministry will exalt Christ as the
Son of God and the Saviour of men (1 John 4:2). (4) His ministry
will be confirmed by fulfilled predictions (Jer. 28:9; cf. 1 Sam.
3:19). It is reasonable also to expect that the messages he bears
will be of practical benefit to the church, that they will be timely
and appropriate, that they will be free from human influence,
and that when he is in open vision his experience will be similar
to that of the Bible prophets."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 877.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 671-676.
21
The Testimony
of Jesus
LESSON 2
Thursday
April 10
Part 5
What two characteristics distinguish the remnant church?
THE REMNANT
CHURCH
"The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make
war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the command-
ments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev.
12:17).
THINK IT THROUGH
"The commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus are
united. They are to be clearly presented to the world."—
Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 117.
These two distinctive marks characterize the remnant church
for the following reasons: (1) "The last great conflict between
truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing
controversy concerning the law of God."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
p. 582. (2) Jesus wished to entrust a special testimony
to the remnant church, the church charged with the responsibil-
ity of proclaiming His last message to the world. "Seventh-day
Adventists ... believe that the 'remnant' will be distinguished by
the manifestation of the gift of prophecy in their midst. The
'testimony of Jesus Christ,' they believe, is the witness of Jesus
in their midst through the medium of the prophetic gift."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 812.
How can we justify our claim that the Seventh-day Adventist
Church is the church of the remnant? In Hebrew the word
translated "remnant" means "those who escape," "what re-
mains," or "what is left." Those who escaped from Assyrian
captivity are called a "remnant." (See 2 Chron. 30:6.) The same
word is applied to those who escape from mystical Babylon.
How is the spirit of prophecy evident in the Adventist Church?
Seventh-day Adventists have ground to believe that the gift of
prophecy was evidenced in the ministry and writings of Ellen
White. She was active as God's messenger among us from 1844
to 1915. However, we do not consider her writings to be a
substitute for or an addition to the Bible. They are simply, she
explained, "a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater
light."—Colporteur Ministry,
p. 125. These writings do not pre-
sent a new path to salvation; rather they lead to a better under-
standing of the plan of salvation revealed in the Bible.
Do I have complete confidence in the testimony of Jesus
given to our church through the messages of Ellen White?
"The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none
effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. 'Where there is no
vision, the people perish' (Prov. 29:18). Satan will work inge-
niously, in different ways and through different agencies, to
unsettle the confidence of God's remnant people in the true
testimony."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 48.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 2, pp. 384-386.
22
The Testimony of Jesus
LESSON 2
Friday
April 11
Part 6
WRITE TO
THE SEVEN
CHURCHES
To whom was the prophet instructed to make known the
testimony of Jesus?
"What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven
churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna,
and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and
unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea" (Rev. 1:11).
John was told several times to put into writing all that he had
seen, all the things which must shortly come to pass, and that
which the Lord had sent His angel to make known unto him. He
was instructed to send the book to the seven churches.
"The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church
in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates
completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages
extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the
condition of the church at different periods in the history of the
world."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 585.
What is the essential content of the testimony of Jesus to the
seven churches? The Revelation is, first of all, a revelation of
Jesus Christ (ch. 1:1). No longer as the suffering Messiah, but as
the risen Lord, who is "alive for evermore" (ch. 1:18), now He
works for His church at the right hand of the throne of God (ch.
5:7) in the heavenly sanctuary (ch. 11:19; 15:5), until the day
when He will return in the clouds of heaven (ch. 1:7; 19:11-16).
Second, the Revelation is a disclosure of "things which must
shortly come to pass" (ch. 1:1), information which Christ
wished to reveal to His church. This is why He addressed a
special message to each of the seven symbolic churches. Be-
sides local and historical application, each of the messages has
spiritual value for all the other churches, and thus for today.
Finally, the Revelation contains a special testimony for the
remnant church, the one entrusted with the mission of preach-
ing "the everlasting gospel" (ch. 14:6). That too will be the
subject of our study, for we know that on the understanding of it
depend, not only the faith of the Adventist community, but also
the success of its mission in the world.
THINK IT THROUGH
How do I picture Jesus?
Our picture of a risen Christ, victorious over death, and "alive
for evermore," depends essentially on the visions recorded in
the book of Revelation. Through the study of the Revelation,
Seventh-day Adventists rediscovered the all-powerful, living
Jesus described by John, along with the unique truth of Christ's
working for His people in the heavenly sanctuary. This is the way
He chose to reveal Himself in each of the visions in the Revela-
tion.
FURTHER STUDY
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
pp. 737, 738.
23
LESSON 3
April 13-19
3 The Churches of
the Catacombs
"He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; To him that overcometh will
I give to eat of the tree of life, which is
in the midst of the paradise of God"
(Rev. 2:7).
The seven letters of the book of
Revelation are addressed to the
churches located in Asia Minor,
modern Turkey. The basic meaning of
the letters is in the messages sent to
these literal churches. Another level of
meaning is in the messages contained
in the letters and applied to the church
universal. A third area of meaning is in
application of each church to a period
of church history. (See
The Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 585.) It is in this last way
that we shall study the letters to the
seven churches.
Ephesus represents the apostolic
church, spanning the years 31 to 100 of
the Christian Era, and Smyrna is the
church of imperial persecution, A.D.
100 to 313, the year that Constantine
issued the Edict of Milan decreeing
equal rights for all religions.
There are three possible reasons
why Ephesus, was named first. First,
because of the importance of the city.
It was the capital of the Roman
province of Asia and residence of the
proconsuls. It was most famous,
however, as an important religious
center, home of a great temple
dedicated to the goddess Artemis,
called Diana by the Romans. (See Acts
19:23-34.)
Second, because of its seniority.
The Ephesian church was the first
Christian church established by Paul in
Asia in the year A.D. 52, and it rapidly
became an important Christian center.
According to tradition the apostle
John settled in Ephesus after the
destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70,
and it was from there that he was
deported to Patmos, probably
between A.D. 96 and 98.
And finally, the symbolic meaning of
the name—desirable----no doubt
prompted the choice of Ephesus to
represent the first, or apostolic,
church.
The church in Smyrna is mentioned
only in the Revelation. It probably
owes its origin to Paul's missionary
work during the three years he spent
in Ephesus. (Compare Acts 19:10;
20:1-3.) The city of Smyrna was
founded about 1200 B.C. Beautifully
situated along the Aegean seacoast,
some 30 miles north of Ephesus, it was
extolled by ancient peoples for its
marvelous location. They called it the
"Ornament of Asia." It was also the
birthplace of the illustrious Greek
poet, Homer. Smyrna still exists and is
known as "Izmir."
The name "Smyrna" means
"myrrh," a derivative of
muron.
It is a
substance with a bitter, aromatic odor,
used for embalming the dead. No
other name could better symbolize
the painful experience through which
the "church of the catacombs" had to
pass because of imperial persecution.
At the same time, it is an example of
what a church in this world should be,
a pleasing fragrance for Christ.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Message to the Apostolic
Church
(Rev. 2:1)
2.
"Thou Hast Left Thy
First Love"
(Rev. 2:2, 3, 6)
3.
"Do the First Works"
(Rev. 2:5)
4.
"To Him That Overcometh"
(Rev. 2:7)
5.
Message to the Persecuted
Church
(Rev. 2:8)
6.
The Crown of Life
(Rev. 2:10)
The Churches
of the Catacombs
LESSON 3
Sunday
April 13
Part 1
Unto whom is each of the seven letters to the churches
MESSAGE TO THE addressed?
APOSTOLIC
CHURCH
"Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write" (Rev. 2:1).
John was instructed to write to the angel of each of the seven
churches. In the original this can designate a human messenger
as well as a celestial being. Here it refers to the one to whom
God has entrusted weighty responsibilities in His church. (See
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 586.)
What is the meaning of the symbols under which Jesus
presents Himself to the church in Ephesus? Rev. 2:1; 1:20.
"Christ is represented as holding the seven stars in His right
hand. This assures us that no church faithful to its trust need
fear coming to nought, for not a star that has the protection of
Omnipotence can be plucked out of the hand of Christ."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 586.
What relation is there between the symbol of the candle-
sticks and the warning that Jesus addresses to the church in
Ephesus? Rev. 2:5.
"In the message to the church at Ephesus, Christ is rep-
resented as holding the seven stars in His hand, and walking in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. He is represented as
'walking' among them, thus illustrating His constant diligence
in behalf of His church. . . . These figures are to be carefully
studied by the undershepherds, and faithfully applied to their
own experience, that they may not lose sight of their great
privilege of securing light from the Source of all light, and giving
it in turn to those for whom they labor."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 956.
THINK IT THROUGH
What can we do to assure that our candlestick will not be
removed out of its place?
"What greater delusion can deceive the human mind than
that in which individuals flatter themselves that they have the
truth, that they are on the only sure foundation, and that God
accepts their works because they are actively engaged in some
work in the cause of God, when they are sinning against Him by
walking contrary to the expressed will of God? . . .
"The standard must be elevated. The work must have a higher
mold. There must be a coming out from the customs and prac-
tices of the world and being separate. There must be a coming
up upon a higher platform by both ministers and people."—
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 451, 452.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 586, 587.
26
The ChurChes
of the Catacombs
LESSON 3
Monday
April 14
Part 2
What message of commendation was sent to the church in
"THOU HAST Ephesus?
LEFT THY
FIRST LOVE"
"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and
how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast
tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast
found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for
my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted."
"Thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also
hate" (Rev. 2:2, 3, 6).
"To each of the seven churches Christ declares, 'I know thy
works.' His admonition is that of One who is fully acquainted
with problems of each church and who is therefore able to
recommend an appropriate and effective solution."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 743.
The commendation made to the church at Ephesus rested
upon its works, its labor and endurance, the deeds which ex-
hibited its character. The Ephesian church did not tolerate
evildoers and false brethren any more than it did false
shepherds and false apostles. Moreover, the church did not
become weary in its afflictions for Christ. In verse 6 special
mention is made of its attitude toward the Nicolaitanes, mem-
bers of a heretical sect whose works displeased God.
What reproof is directed to the church in Ephesus? Rev. 2:4.
"At the first the experience of the church at Ephesus was
marked with childlike simplicity and fervor... .
"But after a time the zeal of the believers began to wane, and
their love for God and for one another grew less. Coldness crept
into the church. Some forgot the wonderful manner in which
they had received the truth."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pp.
578-580.
THINK IT THROUGH
How does the experience of the Ephesians concern me?
"I am instructed to say that these words [Rev. 2:4, 5] are
applicable to Seventh-day Adventist churches in their present
condition. The love of God has been lost, and this means the
absence of love for one another.... Great light has been given to
her. She has had abundant opportunity for bearing much fruit.
But selfishness has come in, and God says, 'I will remove thy
candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.' "—Ellen G.
White,
Review and Herald,
Feb. 25, 1902.
An important lesson from the experience of the Ephesian
community is that love cannot be replaced by other virtues. The
lack of love renders the other virtues hollow and empty. (See
1 Corinthians 13.)
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 167-173.
27
3-A.L. 2-80
The Churches of the Catacombs
LESSON 3
Tuesday
April 15
Part 3
"DO THE
FIRST WORKS"
What triple counsel is given to the Ephesian Christians?
"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and re-
pent, and do the first works" (Rev. 2:5).
Spiritual decline has only one cure—the one recommended
by Jesus. It bears the three characteristics of genuine conver-
sion: an awakening of conscience, repentance, and works of
faith. A call to repentance is sounded in all of the messages to
the churches with the exception of those addressed to Smyrna
and Philadelphia.
What did the Witness say would happen if the believers did
not repent? Verse 5.
The Lord is always ready to act on behalf of His children, be it
to strengthen or to comfort them. If they do not turn from Him,
He will continue to work, to lead them to repentance. However,
divine warnings will not continue if they go unheeded. Unless
there is repentance, the Lord will remove their candlestick out
of its place and bestow on others the responsibility of lighting
the world, which is the high mission of the church. (See Matt.
21:41.)
The apostolic church was essentially of Jewish origin. After
the death of the apostles and the destruction of Jerusalem a
change took place. This warning could well have been realized
by the transfer of the candlestick from the Judeo-Christian
church, represented by the church at Ephesus, to a Christian
church of pagan background, represented by that of Smyrna.
THINK IT THROUGH
Of what do I personally need to repent?
"Has the candlestick been removed out of its place? I call
upon all who are resting unconcerned in their present state of
spiritual deadness, to arouse and arise from the dead, and
Christ will give them light. Many rest as content as though the
cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night were sheltering and
guiding them. Many profess to know God, and yet deny Him in
their works. They reckon themselves among God's peculiar,
chosen people, who have a special, solemn message entrusted
to their keeping to sanctify their lives and to give to the world,
and yet the power of the truth is scarcely felt or manifested in
our midst in zealous work for God. How great is our darkness,
and we know it not! The light has not diminished, but we walk
not in its
rays."—Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 451.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"Repentance," pp. 23-25.
28
The Churches
of the Catacombs
LESSON 3
Wednesday
April 16
Part 4
What call was made to each of the seven churches?
"TO HIM THAT
OVERCOMETH"
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto
the churches" (Rev. 2:7).
This call is repeated at the close of each of the letters to the
. seven churches, either to introduce a promise (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17)
or to conclude the message (ch. 2:29; 3:6, 13, 22). Here the Spirit
addresses "the churches," because God's promises are for the
believers of every age.
The first condition for gaining eternal life is to know how to
listen. On several occasionsJesus emphasized this in His teach-
ings. (See Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 43; Luke 14:35.) In the Scriptures, to
listen means not only to hear but also to understand and put into
practice. (See 1 Sam. 15:22; Matt. 7:24-27; Luke 8:21; Rev. 1:3.)
To whom is the promise in f he first letter made? Where will it
be fulfilled? Rev. 2:7.
In all seven letters the promise is for those who overcome.
Revelation 2:7 never specifies what victory is in question, but all
who are born of God know that it is the "victery that overcometh
the world" (1 John 5:4). Jesus defined it clearly when He said,
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). For the Ephesian Christians,
the needed victory is a return to their first love. The fulfillment of
this promise will be perfectly realized in the kingdom of God.
It is interesting to note that some of the promises made to the
churches are details from the description given in Revelation 21
and 22 of the "new heaven and new earth." (See Rev. 22:2, 4.)
THINK IT THROUGH
What are the traits of character over which I need to gain the
victory?
"I saw that none could share the 'refreshing' unless they
obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness,
love of the world, and over every wrong word and action."—
Early Writings,
p. 71.
"When He [Jesus] comes, He is not to cleanse us of our sins,
to remove from us the defects in our characters, or to cure us of
the infirmities of our tempers and dispositions. If wrought for us
at all, this work will be accomplished before that time."—
Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 355.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 92;
Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing,
"Not Judging, but Doing" (Luke 13:24), pp. 141-144.
29
The Churches of the Catacombs
LESSON 3
Thursday
April 17
Part 5
MESSAGE TO
THE PERSECUTED
CHURCH
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the relationship between the way that Jesus pre-
sents Himself to the church in Smyrna and the message that
He addresses to them?
"These things saith the first and the last, which was dead,
and is alive" (Rev. 2:8).
The manner in which the Saviour presents Himself to each of
the seven churches is always related to the needs of that
church. To the church persecuted by imperial Rome, Christ
reveals Himself as the timeless, all-powerful One in heaven and
on earth, the One who suffered and died and who lives again.
What is the condition of the Smyrna church? Verse 9.
The tribulations of the church in Smyrna issued from three
sources: persecution, abject poverty, and slander. For more
than two centuries the Christian church had to face a period of
the most bitter persecution. Although the church of Smyrna was
stripped of all worldly possessions, the spiritual riches which it
possessed amply compensated for the condition of material
poverty. Thus the church in Smyrna enriched the world more
than any other church (compare 2 Cor. 6:10); the testimony of
her martyrs constituted gospel seed.
For the church of this era the cruelest trial resulted from the
blasphemy of the Jews. The book of Acts records that the ear-
liest persecution could be traced to the synagogues. (See Acts
13:45; 14:2, 19; 17:5, 13; 18:5, 6, 12.) During the second century
the Jews accused the Christians of having falsified the Scrip-
tures, which was the worst possible accusation. From then on,
becoming enemies of the Christian church, the blasphemers
were no longer true Jews. They lined up on the side of him who
accuses the children of God, and thus they formed the
"synagogue of Satan." (See Zech. 3:1; Rev. 12:10.)
Would I be able to withstand slander for the sake of the
gospel?
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake" (Matt. 5:11).
"I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite-
fully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of
your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:44, 45).
"Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being
defamed, we intreat" (1 Cor. 4:12, 13).
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:11), pp. 31-35.
FURTHER STUDY
30
The Churches
of the Catacombs
LESSON 3
Friday
April 18
Part 6
What double exhortation did Christ address to the Smyrna
THE CROWN Christians?
OF LIFE
"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer ... ye
shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10).
This exhortation is without reproof or threat, and also without
hiding the sufferings awaiting the Smyrna church. The devil
(literally "slanderer"), clearly pointed out as the instigator of the
persecution, wants only to make the believer fall. God permits
suffering to try one's faith (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-9; Rom. 5:3,
4), but God's church is not to fear, Although some of its number
must endure persecution, in this they are privileged to partici-
pate in the sufferings of Christ for the edification of the church.
(See Col. 1:24.)
The tribulation of ten days foretold here corresponds to the
ten years of bitter persecution (A.D. 303-313) unleashed by
Diocletian to exterminate the Christian church. But the fidelity
of Christ's witnesses assured the triumph, not the extermina-
tion, of the gospel. After more than two centuries of tribulation
at the hands of successive Roman emperors, Constantine was
obliged to sign the Edict of Milan in 313, establishing the
triumph of Christianity.
What promise is made to the overcomer? Rev. 2:11.
In verse 10 the Saviour promises a "crown of life" to him who
is "faithful unto death." In verse 11 He assures the overcomer
that he will not suffer the "second death," which is the final
destruction "in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone"
(Rev. 21:8). (See Rev. 20:6, 14.)
"Choose poverty, reproach, separation from friends, or any
suffering rather than to defile the soul with sin. Death before
dishonor or the transgression of God's law should be the motto
of every Christian."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 147.
THINK IT THROUGH
How shall I prepare to suffer for the triumph of God's cause?
"We must share the conflicts if we wear the crown of victory.
Like Jesus, we must be made perfect through suffering. Had
Christ's life been one of ease, then might we safely yield to sloth.
Since His life was marked with continual self-denial, suffering,
and self-sacrifice, we shall make no complaint if we are partak-
ers with Him. We can walk safely in the darkest path if we have
the Light of the world for our
guide."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 71.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 103, 104.
31
LES
S
ON 4
April 20-26
4. The Churches of
the Cathedrals
"He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; To him that overcometh will
I give to eat of the hidden manna, and
will give him a white stone, and in the
stone a new name written, which no
man knoweth saving he that receiveth
it" (Rev.
2:17).
The third and fourth letters in the
book of Revelation are addressed to
the churches in Pergamos and
Thyatira, representing respectively the
years of conquest in the history of the
Christian church, A.D. 313 to 538, and
the church's period of domination,
A.D. 538 to 1798.
The city of Pergamos (or Pergamum)
was situated some 60 kilometers (37
miles) northeast of Smyrna. Built on
the summit and slopes of a high hill,
the city seemed impregnable, which in
reality it was except when entered by
ruse. It was the seat of government for
the Roman province of Asia, however,
and its capital before losing that honor
to Ephesus. Pergamos was a city of
temples, the most celebrated being
the temple of Zeus, which has been
reconstructed in the Pergamon
Museum in East Berlin.
The origin of the name "Pergamos"
is uncertain. The meaning given it is
derived from the topography of the
city: citadel, acropolis, summit,
height. These words embody the
characteristics peculiar to the
Christian church of that era, years
when the priests of Rome were
exalting themselves and
strengthening their influence to the
point of supplanting the Roman
emperors and becoming the political
leaders of Western Europe.
In A.D. 538 the edict issued by
Justinian in 533 became effective,
legally conferring the political power
of the Western Empire on the bishop
of Rome. This date marks the
beginning of the 1260 years of papal
supremacy, represented by the
church of Thyatira.
Located some 40 kilometers (25
miles) southeast of Pergamos, the city
of Thyatira was well known for the
dyeing of wool and linen textiles with
the purple dyestuff that Thyatira dyers
had discovered. (See Acts 16:12-14.)
The city was also known for the great
temple built in honor of the sun god,
Apollo. These two features are
meaningful in describing the church
of that period. The Thyatira church
achieved ruling powers, symbolized
by the wearing of purple, and it was
she who decreed the day of the sun as
the day of rest.
Because of the importance of the
Reformation, one usually fixes the
dates for the Thyatira period from A.D.
538 to 1517. However, if one allows
that one period can parallel another,
and that the end of one does not
coincide precisely with the beginning
of the next, the Thyatira era could
extend beyond 1517, the year that the
Sardis period begins.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Message to the Apostate Church
(Rev. 2:12)
2.
Worldly Influences Condemned
(Rev. 2:14, 15)
3.
Promises to the Overcomer
(Rev. 2:17)
4.
Message to the Church of
the Middle Ages
(Rev. 2:18)
5.
Jezebel, the Prophetess
(Rev. 2:20, 21)
6.
Promise of the Morning Star
(Rev. 2:26,
27)
The Churches
of the Cathedrals
LESSON 4
Sunday
April 20
Part 1
What is the meaning of the symbol under which Jesus pre-
MESSAGE TO sents Himself to the church in Pergamos?
THE APOSTATE
CHURCH
"To the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things
saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges" (Rev.
2:12). (Compare Heb. 4:12.)
This distinctive characteristic of Jesus has already been men-
tioned in Revelation 1:16, and it will be found again in Revela-
tion 19:15. Jesus is the Living Word, the standard of all truth. In a
time of compromise, apostasy, and rising popularity of Chris-
tianity, the Saviour presents Himself to His church as the One
possessing the "sword of the Spirit," ready to contend with all
that is not in harmony with truth. (See Eph. 6:10, 17.)
For what did Jesus commend the church in Pergamos?
Verse 13.
The principal virtue of the church in Pergamos was that she
was able to hold fast in an unfavorable environment, a veritable
citadel of paganism, even "where Satan sits enthroned" (Mof-
fatt). It was at Pergamos that the first cult worship of a living
emperor was established in 29 B.C. At the very time that John
was writing these messages Christians were being persecuted
for refusing to worship the emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96), who
insisted that people worship him as "lord and god."
The Pergamos church aptly symbolizes the period of church
history when the adversary established himself through deceit-
ful means in the very "temple of God," as the apostle Paul in
2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 had foretold would happen.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is there no widespread persecution in our day?
"The only reason [that persecution seems to slumber] is that
the church has conformed to the world's standard and there-
fore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our
day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Chris-
tian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. It is only because
of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of
the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is
so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is appar-
ently so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the
faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution
will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekin-
dled."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 48.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 49-54.
34
The Churches
of the Cathedrals
LESSON 4
Monday
April 21
Part 2
What double rebuke does Jesus address to the church in
WORLDLY Pergamos?
INFLUENCES
CONDEMNED
"I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there
them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to
cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat
things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast
thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes,
which thing I hate" (Rev. 2:14, 15).
The church is not accused of believing the condemned doc-
trines, but of tolerating "them that hold the doctrine of Balaam"
in their midst and also "them that hold the doctrine of the
Nicolaitanes." The problem of the church in Pergamos lay in
allowing the true and the false to live together. The introduction
of the pagan masses into the church, after Christianity was
recognized as the state religion, led to spiritual idolatry and
worldly license. What Satan was unable to accomplish through
persecution, he achieved by seduction, encouraging practices
that advanced selfish interests, not those of God's people, as
Balaam had in the time of ancient Israel.
The doctrine of the Nicolaitanes was one that God hated, one
that He commended the Ephesus church for rejecting. (See Rev.
2:6.) For the Christian church to tolerate it was proof of its apos-
tasy at the very moment of triumph (A.D. 313-538).
What does the Lord's threat of intervention signify? Verse
16.
Again our Lord sounds a call to repentance. Jesus is not
calling those who are in sin and error, but those who tolerate
error while carrying His name. Jesus assures that He Himself
will intervene to combat the heresy. The threat, "I . . will fight
against them with the sword of my mouth," typifies the punish-
ment meted out at the judgment. (See Rev. 19:15, 21.)
THINK IT THROUGH
What worldly ways are in my life that are condemned by
God's Word?
"As the truth is brought into practical life, the standard is to be
elevated higher and higher, to meet the requirements of the
Bible. This will necessitate opposition to the fashions, customs,
practices, and maxims of the world. Worldly influences, like the
waves of the sea, beat against the followers of Christ to sweep
them away from the true principles of the meekness and grace
of Christ; but they are to stand as firm as a rock to principle. It
will require moral courage to do this, and those whose souls are
not riveted to the eternal Rock, will be swept away by the worldly
current."—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
pp. 288, 289.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 542-549.
35
The Churches
of the Cathedrals
LESSON 4
Tuesday
April 22
Part 3
What triple promise is made to the overcomer?
PROMISES
TO THE
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden
OVERCOMER manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new
name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth
it" (Rev. 2:17).
"A white stone," according to some, recalls the stone given to
the winning gladiator; according to others, it is the stone used
by jurors to signify acquittal; or, according to still others, the
stone given as a ticket to enter the theater. Whatever signifi-
cance is alluded to, it is recognized as a well-known ceremony
of ancient times honoring the receiver.
"A new name" signifies a new character. In Bible times a
name was given that described the character of the receiver.
Here a new name is promised the overcomer—a name that
describes the new character of the overcomer, one that per-
fectly reflects his personal, intimate experience with Jesus. That
is why "no man knoweth [it] saving he that receiveth it." This
new name, written in the white stone, will serve as a sign
evidencing victory, or acquittal of all guilt of sin, or perhaps
serve as a ticket to enter the kingdom of heaven.
How can the Word be both a sword and manna at the same
time? Rev. 2:12, 17.
In the Christian's armor "the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God" (Eph 6:17), is the only offensive weapon. It is the
one used by Jesus to triumph over the tempter, and the one that
He is ready to use in the church against all who are not in
harmony with holy doctrine. But the Word of God is also daily
bread for the believer; it is the manna from heaven that
nourishes every man who wishes to do the will of God. (See
Matt. 4:4; John 4:34.) Just as Jesus is the sharp, two-edged
sword, so He is also "the living bread which came down from
heaven." He counsels, "If any man eat of this bread, he shall live
for ever" (John 6:51).
THINK IT THROUGH
What is my character like? Am I fitted to enter the kingdom?
"Each one will have a close struggle to overcome sin in his
own heart. This is at times a very painful and discouraging work;
because, as we see the deformities in our character, we keep
looking at them, when we should look to Jesus and put on the
robe of His righteousness. Everyone who enters the pearly
gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his
greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self."—
Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 182, 183.
FURTHER STUDY
Messages to Young People,
pp. 95-97.
36
The Churches of the Cathedrals
LESSON 4
Wednesday
April 23
Part 4
MESSAGE TO
THE CHURCH
OF THE
MIDDLE AGES
What title does Jesus use to present Himself to the church in
Thyatira? What attributes are inherent in that title?
"Unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things
saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of
fire, and his feet are like fine brass" (Rev. 2:18).
This is the only time in the book of Revelation that Jesus uses
the title "Son of God" with the definite article. Thus He specifi-
cally identifies Himself as a member of the Godhead and lays
claim to the divine attributes of omniscience and omnipotence.
He is the One who sees all, penetrates all, examines all; the One
to whom ''all power is given ... in heaven and in earth" (Matt.
28:18).
What Christian virtues did Jesus extol in His words of com-
mendation to the Thyatira church? Verse 19.
The Saviour never judges by appearances. He is able to detect
good, to see whatever is worthy of commendation, even in the
darkness of the Middle Ages. In truth, the heart is never com-
pletely devoid of spirituality when one devotes himself to the
dissemination of faith among the faithless. For ages works of
charity were numerous and flourishing. Genuine Christians
dedicated themselves to the binding up of Europe's wounds in
the wake of wars, invasions, and calamities. Contrary to the
experience at Ephesus, the church in Thyatira experienced
spiritual progress. She was the only' one of the seven where,
despite serious weaknesses, there was growth. "I know thy
works, . . . and the last to be more than the first" (verse 19).
THINK IT THROUGH
What is a fair judgment of Thyatira Christians?
"Millions went down to the grave loaded with infamy because
they steadfastly refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Sa-
tan. By human tribunals they were adjudged the vilest of
criminals."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 650.
in passing judgment one must distinguish between Catholi-
cism as a religion and the Catholic believer. "It is true that there
are real Christians in the Roman Catholic communion.
Thousands in that church are serving God according to the best
light they have. . . . God looks with pitying tenderness upon
these souls, educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and
unsatisfying. He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense
darkness that surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth
as it is in Jesus, and many will yet take their position with His
people."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 565.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 55-60.
37
The Churches of the Cathedrals
LESSON 4
Thursday
April 24
Part 5
JEZEBEL, THE
PROPHETESS
What serious reprimand is directed to the church in Thya-
tira? Rev. 2:20, 21.
The name "Jezebel" recalls the worst moment of Israel's
history.
When Jezebel became queen, she introduced the worship of
Baal in Israel, and established over 400 priests of Baal. She did
not hesitate to use temporal power to force her pagan customs
upon the people. As in Jezebel's day when Israel suffered three
and a half years of famine before there was a reform, so many
other details of Israel's history are symbolic of the history of the
Christian church in the Middle Ages.
The Lord gave the church opportunity to repent. Throughout
the centuries He raised up reformers—Wycliffe, Savonarola,
Huss and Jerome, Luther, and others—"but," He exclaimed,
"she refuses to repent of her immorality" (Rev. 2:21, RSV).
What serious judgments were pronounced against those
who accepted Jezebel? Verses 22, 23.
A bed of pain would replace her bed of impurity. Great tribula-
tion would strike those "that commit adultery with her." God
would "kill . . . with death," probably by pestilence or by the
second death, the children of her prostitution. The Lord vowed
to render to each one according to his works.
What counsel is given to all others in Thyatira? Verses 24,
25.
As in the time of Jezebel, when the Lord had 7000 in Israel
whose knees had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18), so through
the ages of the Thyatira period there were those who did not
accept the doctrine of Jezebel,—the Vaudois, the Albigenses,
the Hussites, the Huguenots, the Moravian Brothers, etc. To
them, "the rest in Thyatira," the Lord promised not to put upon
them any other burden. "But," He admonished, "that which ye
have already hold fast till I come" (verse 25).
THINK IT THROUGH
Everyone will be held responsible according to the light that
he has received.
"Our fathers are not accountable for the light they never
received, or for the messages of warning they never heard....
"Special truths have been adapted to the conditions of the
nations as they have existed. The present truth, which is a test to
the people of this generation, was not a test to the people of
generations far back. . . .
"We are accountable only for the light that shines upon
us."—Ellen G. White,
Review and Herald,
July 13, 1897.
FURTHER STUDY
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 114-116.
38
The Churches of the Cathedrals
LESSON 4
Friday
April 25
Part 6
PROMISE OF THE
MORNING STAR
What promise is made to the overcomer in Thyatira?
"He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end,
to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them
with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be
broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father" (Rev. 2:26,
27).
The words of this promise are borrowed from Psalm 2, and
some of the details are repeated by the apostle John later in this
book (ch. 12:5; 19:15). The promise to the elect is that they shall
reign with Christ and have authority over the nations. (See Rev.
20:6.) To this end the Master Potter will break in pieces the old
order, all the wicked nations, and make all things new; and the
power and dominion will be given Him by His Father.
What is the significance of the words "morning star" con-
tained in the climax of this promise? Verse 28.
This symbol, probably a reference to Balaam's promise to
Israel (Num. 24:17) announcing the coming of the Messiah, was
also used by Peter in alluding to the believer's experience with
the Saviour (2 Peter 1:19). To the overcomer will be given the
privilege of seeing Jesus face-to-face, because it is He who is
the "bright and morning star" (Rev. 22:16).
The morning star, a sign of day, of soon-coming greater light
to disperse the night, was a fit promise to the church of the
Middle Ages.
Why does the call to listen come at the close of this mes-
sage? Verse 29.
In the three preceding letters this admonition called the
hearer's attention to the promise which followed. Beginning
with the letter to the Thyatira church the call comes at the close
of the message to emphasize how important it is for the listener
to hear and understand the entire message, "what the Spirit
saith unto the churches" in its entirety.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I progress in my spiritual experience according to
God's plan for the overcomer?
The message to the church at Thyatira invites us to hold fast
that which we have (verse 25); to persevere in works that reflect
Christ until the very end (verse 26); and to act in such a way that
"the last [works] be more than the first" (verse 19).
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"First the Blade, Then the Ear," pp.
66-69.
39
LESSON 5
April 27 to May 3
5. The Churches of
the Reformation
and Revival
"He that overcometh, the same shall
be clothed in white raiment; and I will
not blot out his name out of the book
of life, but I will confess his name
before my Father, and before his
angels" (Rev.
3:5).
With the letters to the churches of
Sardis and Philadelphia we come to
the Christian church of modern times,
from the beginning of the Reformation
(1517) to the present era (1844).
Situated some 48 kilometers (30
miles) southeast of Thyatira, the city of
Sardis was the capital of the kingdom
of Lydia. It reached its zenith of wealth
and power under Croesus during the
sixth century B.C. Built on a plateau of
crumbling rock, some 457 meters
(1500 feet) above sea level, Sardis was
considered impregnable except at one
point. It was there that Cyrus made his
surprise attack, like a thief in the night,
and during the second century B.C.
the city was again captured in the same
way, which explains the admonition
"be watchful" in verse 2.
The churches of Sardis and
Philadelphia are mentioned only in the
book of Revelation, although their
origins must certainly date back to the
time of the apostle Paul. The first
represents the church of the
Reformation, 1517 to 1798, and the
second, whose name means
"brotherly love," admirably
symbolizes the great evangelical
awakening during the years 1798 to
1844.
Because of its geographic position,
Philadelphia still commands access to
an important pass through the
neighboring mountains. It is a key city,
the gateway to eastern highlands.
At the time, with a population of
only 15,000, Philadelphia was a small
city of little importance. "I know that
you have but little power" (verse 8,
RSV), the Witness said. Considering
her name, however, the small
Philadelphian community knew how
to live an exemplary Christian life. That
is why no reproach was addressed to
this church, as was also true with the
church in Smyrna.
It is interesting to note that of the
seven churches named, only those of
Philadelphia and Smyrna still exist.
Both of these Christian communities
survived the Turkish invasion.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Church of the Reformation
(Rev. 3:1)
2.
Be Watchful
(Rev. 3:2, 3)
3.
A Threefold Promise
(Rev. 3:4)
4.
Church of the Awakening
(Rev. 3:7)
5.
"Thou Hast Kept the Word"
(Rev. 3:8-10)
6.
"A Pillar in the Temple"
(Rev. 3:12)
The Churches of the Reformation
Sunday
and Revival
LESSON 5
April 27
Part 1
THE CHURCH
OF THE
REFORMATION
What is the significance of the two symbols used by Jesus to
identify Himself in His epistle to the Sardis church?
"Unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things
saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven
stars" (Rev. 3:1).
Here our Lord presents Himself as the One that has the seven
Spirits of God, or the Spirit in His fullness and completeness
(Rev. 1:4), and, at the same time, control of His church, since the
seven stars are in His right hand. (See Rev. 1:16, 17.)
What is the true condition of the church in Sardis? Rev. 3:
1, 2.
Although the church in Sardis has the reputation of being
alive, the Lord is not deceived; He does not mistake vigorous
activity for life. Jesus states plainly, "Thou ... art dead." What
the Sardis members need is to come alive in Christ by being
filled with His Spirit, without which vital godliness is impossible;
and then they will obtain spiritual accountability to maintain
and nourish this new life. Jesus comes to Sardis with the seven
Spirits of God and the seven stars to meet this need.
In truth Sardis represents the sad plight of modern-day Prot-
estantism. In its beginning the Reformation church rediscov-
ered what it means to live by faith in Jesus Christ, but, satisfied
with certain attainments, the church grew indifferent. Today,
ignorant of the great truths upon which it was founded, Protes-
tantism has only a pretense of life; and, barring vigilance and
special care, "the things which remain . . . are ready to die."
What judgment is pronounced upon the works of the Sardis
church? Verse 2.
The works of Sardis were not perfect. This also means that the
members were incomplete, unfulfilled. By a return to the Bible
the Reformation church found truth, but this work was not
completed. It did not come to perfection.
THINK IT THROUGH
What can I do to maintain my spiritual life?
"Yes, there are many such [persons who neglect Bible study]
among us as a people, many who claim to be alive, while they
are dead. My brethren, unless the Holy Spirit is actuating you as
a vital principle, unless you are obeying its prompting, depend-
ing on its influences, laboring in the strength of God, my mes-
sage to you from God is: 'You are under a delusion which may
prove fatal to your souls.'
"—Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 155.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 352, 353.
42
The Churches of the Reformation
Monday
and Revival
LESSON 5
April 28
Part 2
BE WATCHFUL
What is the fivefold counsel given to the church in Sardis?
"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that
are ready to die. . . . Remember therefore how thou hast
received and heard, and hold fast, and repent" (Rev. 3:2, 3).
Historically, overconfidence and carelessness resulted in the
capture of Sardis by the enemy. It was also a lack of vigilance
that caused the spiritual death of the Sardis church. But the
condition is not without remedy. Jesus, who possesses the
Spirit in all His fullness, is able to revive spiritually. The remedy,
a full return to the gospel, is clearly indicated.
To possess the truth it is not sufficient to have received it in a
providential way or to have heard it with fervor; one must be
vigilant and persevere in keeping it. If spirituality has degener-
ated into a state of lifeless formalism, only repentance can heal
the condition.
"'And repent.' The life we live is to be one of continual
repentance and humility. We need to repent constantly, that we
may be constantly victorious. When we have true humility, we
have victory."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary, vol.
7, p. 959.
What will be the result to the church if Sardis does not
watch? Verse 3.
Here we have a reference to the return of Jesus. (Compare
Matt. 24:43; Luke 12:39; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 16:15.)
This allusion establishes this church chronologically. Sardis is
the church that should have recognized the signs announcing
the return of Jesus to earth—the Lisbon earthquake, 1755, and
the dark day, May 19, 1780—but because it was not watching,
the Lord would come, for it, as a thief in the night, at an hour that
it knew not. Today many nominal Christians are not only ignor-
ant of the signs pointing to the return of Jesus, but also purely
and simply deny His return.
THINK IT THROUGH
As an alert Christian, am I conscious that spiritual ramparts
require constant vigilance?
"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be ac-
counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to
pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36).
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 634, 635.
43
4-A.L. 2-80
The Churches of the Reformation
Tuesday
and Revival
LESSON 5
April 29
Part 3
Whom does the Lord commend in the church in Sardis?
A THREEFOLD
PROMISE
"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not
defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white:
for they are worthy" (Rev. 3:4).
"The church of Sardis is represented as having in it a
few
faithful ones among the many who had become, as it were,
careless and insensible of their obligations to God.... Who is so
favored as to be numbered among these few in Sardis? Are
you? Am I? Who are among this number? Is it not best for us to
inquire into this matter, in order that we may learn to whom the
Lord refers when He says that a
few
have not stained their white
robes of character?"—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol.
7, p. 959.
What threefold promise is made to the overcomer in Sardis?
Verse 5.
In this threefold promise the conditions of salvation are
clearly stated as follows:
1.
One must be clothed in white raiment, which is the symbol
of the righteousness of Christ received by faith, or justification
by faith.
2.
One's name must be written in the book of life, figurative of
salvation by grace. This does not depend on an arbitrary act on
the part of God, but on our faith in Jesus and our obedience to
His law—"faith which worketh by love" (Gal. 5:6), or "obedi-
ence to the faith" (Rom. 1:5).
3.
One must receive Christ's approval. It is He who confesses
(literally, confirms) our names before His Father in His work of
intercession.
THINK IT THROUGH
Examples to follow:
"Because of their faith this honor [to
walk with Jesus in white] is bestowed on them [the faithful few].
In this life they did not boast, nor lift up their souls unto vanity.
With intensity of desire, with a pure, holy faith, they grasped the
promise of eternal riches. Their one desire was to be like Christ.
Ever they kept the standard of righteousness uplifted. To them
is given an eternal weight of glory, because on the earth they
walked with God, keeping themselves unspotted from the
world, revealing to their fellow beings the righteousness of
Christ."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
7, p. 960.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 483, 484.
44
The Churches of the Reformation
Wednesday
and Revival
LESSON 5
April 30
Part 4
What is the significance of the qualifications under which
CHURCH the Lord announces Himself to the church of Philadelphia?
OF THE
AWAKENING
"These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that
hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth;
and shutteth, and no man openeth" (Rev. 3:7).
Once again Jesus presents Himself with the attributes of the
Divinity. He is "the Holy One" (Acts 3:14)—that is, He who was
preeminently set apart to accomplish the will of God. Because
He perfectly accomplished His mission, He possesses the key of
David and the power to open or to close the door of the kingdom
of which the throne of David was the type, the kingdom of the
children of God.
This verse has special historical significance for Seventh-day
Adventists. "I saw that Jesus had shut the door of the holy place,
and no man can open it; and that He had opened the door into
the most holy, and no man can shut it (Rev. 3:7, 8); and that
since Jesus has opened the door into the most holy place, which
contains the ark, the commandments have been shining out to
God's people."—Early
Writings,
p. 42.
What qualities embody the worth of the church of Philadel-
phia? Verse 8.
Christ addresses neither a reproach nor a warning to the
church of Philadelphia. The Lord simply points out the result of
an exceptional religious situation. All is possible for God when
His children do not depend on their own power (2 Cor. 1:9, 10),
when they keep His word, and when they are not ashamed of the
testimony of Jesus.
THINK IT THROUGH
"The true Witness has given us the assurance that He has set
before us an open door, which no man can shut. Those who are
seeking to be faithful to God may be denied many of the
privileges of the world; their way may be hedged up and their
work hindered by the enemies of truth; but there is no power
that can close the door of communication between God and
their souls. The Christian himself may close this door by in-
dulgence in sin, or by rejection of heaven's light. He may turn
away his ears from hearing the message of truth, and in this way
sever the connection between God and his soul.... Neither man
nor Satan can close the door which Christ has opened for
us."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 961.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 428-430, 435.
45
The Churches of the Reformation
Thursday
and Revival
LESSON 5
May 1
Part 5
"THOU HAST
KEPT THE WORD"
What triple promise is made to the church of Philadelphia as
the result of its exceptional spiritual experience? Rev. 3:8-10.
1.
"Behold, I have set before thee an open door" (verse 8).
This is a promise of unlimited opportunity for missionary en-
deavor that no worldly power can hinder. (See Acts 14:27; 1 Cor.
16:8, 9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col 4:3.) In the history of the church the
period represented by Philadelphia witnessed an unparalleled
missionary movement. It also marked renewed interest in the
study of the Bible and incomparable zeal in its distribution,
aided by the creation of Bible societies.
2.
"Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan ... to
come and worship before thy feet" (verse 9).
Whether this
refers to those of Jewish lineage, to false Christians, or to
pagans, the important fact is that the Saviour promised to make
them receptive to the gospel, to put them in contact with
genuine Christians, and to make Himself known to them. Facts
confirm this prophecy. Between 1816 and 1843 there was a
wave of conversions among Jews. Great religious revivals also
shook Protestantism, giving birth to the advent movement,
among others. And, finally, this era saw the birth of modern
missions—special missionary endeavor for pagan peoples.
3.
"I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which
shall come upon all the world" (verse 10).
This is a direct
reference to events to come upon the world at the end of time,
particularly during the time of trouble to come upon the in-
habitants of the world. (See Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21.)
The first part of this declaration made by the faithful and true
Witness has been fulfilled; it is an accomplished fact. The sec-
ond is still being fulfilled, but the third is in the future.
What are the Philadelphia Christians invited to hold fast?
Verse 11.
As long as the struggle lasts, as long as the course is not
finished (2 Tim. 4:7, 8), the promised crown of life can be
snatched away (Rev. 2:10, 11). This is an invitation to persever-
ance (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39), all the more pertinent be-
cause the Lord announces His soon return:
"Behold, I come
quickly."
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I meet more fully the Saviour's conditions for one
who wishes to be an instrument of action in His hands?
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 587-589.
46
The Churches of the Reformation
Friday
and Revival
LESSON 5
May 2
Part 6
What singular privilege is promised to the overcomer in the
"A PILLAR IN
Philadelphia church? What is the significance of this
THE TEMPLE" metaphor?
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my
God, and he shall go no more out" (Rev. 3:12).
This promise harmonizes beautifully with the character and
work of the Philadelphia Christians. The victor, because of his
faithfulness in God's service, will become a pillar—symbol of
strength, stability, and victory (Gal. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:15; Rev.
10:1)—in the temple of God; that is, in the very presence of God
(Rev. 21:3) for all eternity.
What further honor will the Saviour accord him? What is the
meaning of these distinguishing marks? Verse 12.
The overcomer will carry three names that will be his glory. In
the Bible the name always implies the personality, character,
and ownership of the bearer.
1.
"The name of my God":
The promise here is that the
Creator's image will be fully restored in the overcomer: he will
again belong to God.
2.
"The name of the city of my God":
The victor will have a
right to live in the New Jerusalem; he will be a citizen there. The
New Jerusalem will be his city.
3.
"My
[Christ's] new name": The character of the overcomer
will perfectly reflect that of Jesus; he will be like Him, because
he will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). Jesus will have a new name,
for He will have laid aside the form of a servant and appear in all
His glory.
The name of God in the forehead "signifies the yielding of the
mind to intelligent and loyal obedience to all of God's com-
mandments."—Sons
and Daughters of God,
p. 370.
THINK IT THROUGH
How much do I reflect the character of Jesus?
"In a view given June 27, 1850, my accompanying angel said,
'Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus
as you should?' Then I was pointed to the earth and saw that
there would have to be a getting ready among those who have of
late embraced the third angel's message. Said the angel, 'Get
ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to
the world than ye have ever yet died.' . .
.. 'Ye must have a greater preparation than ye now have, for
the day of the Lord cometh.... Sacrifice all to God. Lay all upon
His altar—self, property, and all, a living sacrifice.'
"—Early
Writings,
pp. 64-67.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 444-447.
47
LESSON 6
May 4-10
la Mu ghougN off
do lEg Dmyyg
"To him that overcometh will I grant
to sit with me in my throne, even as I
also overcame, and am set down with
my Father in his throne" (Rev.
3:21).
The letter to the Christian church in
Laodicea is of particular importance to
the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
This is Christ's last message to His
people and is especially addressed to
the church in the end of time.
Whatever the meaning of the
name—"a justified people," "the
judging of the people,' or "the
separation of peoples"—Laodicea is
always used in relation to the final
work of Christ's church during the last
phase of history. This is why the
Laodicean era begins in the year 1844,
at the close of the 2300-year prophecy
(Dan. 8:14) and the beginning of the
investigative judgment.
The city of Laodicea was named in
honor of Laodice, the wife of
Antiochus II, who founded the city in
the third century B.C. It was situated
some 65 kilometers (40 miles)
southeast of Philadelphia. The city
became prosperous during the Roman
era, toward the end of the first century
B.C.
A Laodicean specialty was the soft,
silklike, black cloth manufactured
from the wool produced by the black
sheep raised in the area. Laodicea was
also famous for its flourishing school
of medicine and the manufacture of a
renowned eye medicine. And,
because of its large markets, the city
carried on extensive banking
operations. All these details explain
the allusions made by the faithful and
true Witness.
Two other details are also
significant. An aqueduct brought
warm water from Hierapolis, some 6
kilometers away (3.7 miles) to furnish
water for the lukewarm baths that
people found so pleasing. Then, in
A.D. 60, some 35 years before the
Revelation was written, the city
suffered a devastating earthquake;
but the Laodiceans refused the help
offered them by Rome, claiming that
they were in "need of nothing" (Rev.
3:17).
At the time that Paul wrote to the
Colossians, about A.D. 62, there was a
Christian church in Laodicea.
Apparently Paul never visited Laodicea
(Col. 2:1). It seems that Epaphras of
Colosse founded the church (Col.
1:7). Paul mentions sending a letter to
the Laodicean church at the time that
he wrote to Colosse (Col. 4:16).
Laodicea was destroyed by the Turks
in the thirteenth century. Today there
are only ruins to mark the site; but the
message that carries its name in the
Revelation is of utmost interest to us
today. This is the reason we should
listen most attentively to what the
faithful and true Witness says in this
letter, more than to any other.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Message to Laodicea
(Rev. 3:14)
2.
The Lukewarm Church
(Rev. 3:15)
3.
I Have Need of Nothing
(Rev. 3:17)
4.
The Lord's Counsel
(Rev. 3:18)
5.
"Be Zealous . . . , and Repent"
(Rev. 3:19)
6.
Promise to the Overcomer
(Rev. 3:20)
The Church of the Last Days
LESSON 6
Sunday
May 4
Part 1
MESSAGE TO
LAODICEA
THINK IT THROUGH
What titles does Jesus use to make Himself known to the
Laodicean church? What are their significance?
"Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write;
These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the
beginning of the creation of God" (Rev. 3:14).
In this final message Jesus presents Himself as the personifi-
cation of Amen (surely, indeed, truly), a title that the prophet
Isaiah applies to God (Isa. 65:16, translated "truth"). As the
faithful and true Witness He is the perfect expression of the
thought, the will, and the character of God, and as the begin-
ning or origin of God's creation, He is the Creator. (See John
1:3; Col. 1:15, 16; Heb. 1:2.) Under these titles Jesus claims
equality with God and emphasizes the seriousness of what He is
about to say. This role is consistent with the judgment era.
"Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was
with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore.
"The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from
eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the
surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the
heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels
was received by Him as His right... .
"There are light and glory in the truth that Christ was one with
the Father before the foundation of the world was laid. This is
the light shining in a dark place, making it resplendent with
divine, original glory. This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself,
explains other mysterious and otherwise unexplainable truths,
while it is enshrined in light, unapproachable and incompre-
hensible."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 247, 248.
"He was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent.... He is the
eternal, self-existent
Son."—Evangelism,
p. 615.
Am I more ready to listen to the testimony of the True
Witness than I have been in the past?
"I
asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was
shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called
forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This
will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead
him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some
will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it,
and this will cause a shaking among God's people.
"The testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded.
The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church
hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded.
This testimony must work deep repentance, and all that truly
receive it will obey it and be
purified."—Testimonies, vol.
1, p.
181.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies, vol.
1, pp. 186, 187.
50
The Church of
the Last Days
LESSON 6
Monday
May 5
Part 2
How did Jesus evaluate the works of the Laodicean church?
THE LUKEWARM
CHURCH
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would
thou wert cold or hot" (Rev. 3:15).
Unlike all of the previous churches, Laodicea received no
commendation.
"The message to the church of the Laodiceans is a startling
denunciation, and is applicable to the people of God at the
present
time."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 252.
"They are neither cold nor hot; they occupy a neutral posi-
tion, and at the same time flatter themselves that they are in
need of nothing. The True Witness hates this lukewarmness. He
loathes the indifference of this class of persons. Said He: 'I
would thou wert cold or hot.'
"—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 87.
What seriously threatens those who are lukewarm? Verse
16.
Like lukewarm water, lukewarm spirituality produces nausea.
Of course, the threat of being rejected by the Saviour is not
unconditional; if it were, the counsels that follow would be
useless. It is a warning rather than a decision.
"Halfhearted Christians are worse than infidels; for their de-
ceptive words and noncommittal position lead many astray. The
infidel shows his colors. The lukewarm Christian deceives both
parties. He is neither a good worldling nor a good Christian.
Satan uses him to do a work that no one else can do."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 963.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what ways does the Laodicean message apply to me?
"The message to the Laodicean church is applicable to all
who have had great light and many opportunities, and yet have
not appreciated them."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 961.
"The Laodicean message applies to the people of God who
profess to believe present truth. . . . They profess to love the
truth, yet are deficient in Christian fervor and devotion. They
dare not give up wholly and run the risk of the unbeliever, yet
they are unwilling to die to self and follow out closely the
principles of their
faith."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 87.
"The Laodicean message applies to all who profess to keep
the law of God, and yet are not doers of it....
"The message to the Laodicean church applies most de-
cidedly to those whose religious experience is insipid, who do
not bear decided witness in favor of the truth."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 962.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 83-87.
51
The Church of the Last Days
LESSON 6
Tuesday
May 6
Part 3
I HAVE NEED
OF NOTHING
Of what do the Laodiceans boast?
"Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have
need of nothing" (Rev. 3:17).
This declaration explains the reason for the lukewarm condi-
tion of the Laodiceans. This can be understood in both the
literal and the spiritual sense. The Laodiceans were affluent, as
are a number of Christian societies today. At the same time, on
the spiritual plane, the treasures of God's Word have never been
more accessible.
It is always fatal to take pleasure in one's wealth, even in
spiritual riches. Not to recognize all these blessings as unmer-
ited favors from God leads to self-sufficiency, the taking of
credit to oneself. (See Luke 12:16-21..) The Spirit of God can act
only where there is poverty of spirit and a feeling of need. (See
Matt. 5:3; Luke 18:13, 14.)
"What greater deception can come upon human minds than a
confidence that they are right when they are all wrong! The
message of the True Witness finds the people of God in a sad
deception, yet honest in that deception. They know not that
their condition is deplorable in the sight of
God."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 252, 253.
What is the true condition of the Laodiceans? Verse 17.
"What is it that constitutes the wretchedness, the nakedness,
of those who feel rich and increased with goods?—It is the want
of the righteousness of Christ. In their own righteousness they
are represented as clothed with filthy rags, and yet in this condi-
tion they flatter themselves that they are clothed upon with
Christ's righteousness. Could deception be greater?"—Ellen G.
White,
Review and Herald,
August 7, 1894.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I see my spiritual condition as God sees it?
"In my last vision I was shown that even this decided message
of the True Witness had not accomplished the design of God.
-The people slumber on in their sins. They continue to declare
themselves rich and having need of nothing. Many inquire: Why
are all these reproofs given? Why do the
Testimonies
continu-
ally charge us with backsliding and with grievous sins? We love
the truth; we are prospering; we are in no need of these tes-
timonies of warning and reproof. But let these murmurers see
their hearts and compare their lives with the practical teachings
of the Bible, let them humble their souls before God, let the
grace of God illuminate the darkness, and the scales will fall
from their eyes, and they will realize their true spiritual poverty
and
wretchedness."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 254.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 252-254.
52
The Church of
the Last Days
LESSON 6
Wednesday
May 7
Part 4
What counsel does the True Witness give to the Laodicean
THE LORD'S Christians?
COUNSEL
"I counsel thee to buy of me" (Rev. 3:18).
Instead of the transitory possessions of the Laodiceans,
Jesus offers the eternal riches that He alone can give. The fact
that the Lord counsels the Laodiceans to buy does not mean
that they are to make the purchase with money (Isa. 55:1), but
rather that they must negotiate an exchange of Laodicean pov-
erty for the riches of Christ. Although salvation is a free gift of
God, it costs man a great deal—all that he has. He must come to
the point that he esteems "the reproach of Christ greater riches
than the treasures in Egypt" (Heb. 11:26).
What is the significance of each one of the remedies the
Laodiceans are admonished to buy? The remedies counseled
by Jesus, like the many other symbols He used, are in the
language of the people He was addressing, here the commerce
that enriched the Laodiceans. Ellen White gives us this explana-
tion:
"The True Witness counsels us to buy of Him gold tried in the
fire, white raiment, and eyesalve. The gold here recommended
as having been tried in the fire is faith and love. It makes the
heart rich; for it has been purged until it is pure, and the more it
is tested the more brilliant is its luster. The white raiment is
purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted to the
sinner. This is indeed a garment of heavenly texture, that can be
bought only of Christ for a life of willing obedience. The
eyesalve is that wisdom and grace which enables us to discern
between the evil and the good, and to detect sin under any
guise. God has given His church eyes which He requires them to
anoint with wisdom, that they may see
clearly."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 88, 89.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are we in a hopeless condition spiritually?
"The counsel of the true Witness does not represent those
who are lukewarm as in a hopeless case. There is yet a chance to
remedy their state, and the Laodicean message is full of en-
couragement; for the backslidden church may yet buy the gold
of faith and love, may yet have the white robe of the righteous-
ness of Christ, that the shame of their nakedness need not
appear. Purity of heart, purity of motive, may yet characterize
those who are halfhearted and who are striving to serve God
and mammon. They may yet wash their robes of character and
make them white in the blood of the Lamb."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 966.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 214-216.
53
The Church of
the Last Days
LESSON 6
Thursday
May 8
Part 5
What prompts God to reprove and chasten?
"BE ZEALOUS
. . . , AND
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" (Rev. 3:19).
REPENT"
Our Lord's actions are always motivated by love, even when
He has to administer punishment. "The Lord reproves wrongs
in His people, but is this an evidence that He has rejected
them?—No. There are errors in the church, and the Lord points
them out by His own ordained agencies, not always through the
testimonies. Now shall we seize these reproofs and make capi-
tal of them, and say that God is not imparting to them His light
and love?—No. The work that God is trying to do for them shows
that He loves them, and wants to draw them away from paths of
danger."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 2, pp. 81, 82.
What should be the objective of reprimand or chastening?
Verse 19.
After the counsel, the fatherly warning, God expects positive
results. (See Rom. 2:4.)
The call here is in the imperative: "Be zealous therefore, and
repent." In the original the word translated as "zealous" is from
the same root as the word "hot," which the Laodicean church
had failed to be. "The Laod iceans are called upon to experience
the warmth and enthusiasm that comes with true repentance,
consecration, and devotion to Christ."—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 7,
p. 763.
"Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from
it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until
we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the
l
ife."—Steps to Christ,
p. 23.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what ways do I need to make a personal application of
this appeal?
"I saw that this call to the Laodicean church will affect souls.
A becoming zeal is called for by God on our part. We must
repent, throw away our whole feelings, feel our destitution, buy
gold that we may be rich, eyesalve that we may see, white
raiment that we may be clothed."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 966.
"Let us make an application of the words of Christ to our own
individual cases. Are we poor, and blind, and wretched, and
miserable? Then let us seek the gold and white raiment that He
offers. The work of overcoming is not restricted to the age of the
martyrs. The conflict is for us, in these days of subtle temptation
to worldliness, to self-security, to indulgence of pride, covet-
ousness, false doctrines, and immorality of life."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 966.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies, vol.
1, pp. 141-143.
54
The Church of the Last Days
LESSON 6
Friday
May 9
Part 6
PROMISE TO
THE OVERCOMER
THINK IT THROUGH
What urgent invitation is Jesus still extending? How should
it be understood?
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my
voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with
him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20).
Here Jesus crowns His love for Laodicea. Indifferent to coun-
sel, to threat, and to command; perhaps His people will respond
to the personal, loving approach. As a humble traveler, going
from door to door, Jesus comes to offer His remedies to who-
ever is willing to open to Him. The promised supper symbolizes
personal communion with Christ, without which spiritual life is
impossible.
However, this spiritual interpretation does not exclude the
possibility of applying this verse to last-day events. The expres-
sion "I am standing at the door" (Jerusalem) also calls to mind
the end of time. (See Matt. 24:33; James 5:9.) Also a meal with
Jesus reminds one of the promised supper of the Lamb that the
elect will eat with Jesus in the kingdom of heaven. (See Matt.
26:29; Luke 22:30; Rev. 19:9).
What particular promise does Jesus make to the overcomer
in the last church? Verse 21.
This promise is in direct relation with the preceding one. It
gives a logical conclusion to the letter and to all seven epistles.
The cycle ends with a promise of victory for Christ and His
church. The Lord is anxious to share with the victorious of all
ages the royal home that He will occupy for all eternity with His
Father. It is the greatest honor offered to the overcomer. (See
Dan. 7:27; Matt. 25:31-34; Rev. 20:4.)
Although every church received a promise, and all are called
to victory, there is, in reality, only one way to be victorious. Do
you know what it is?
"The example of Christ shows us that our only hope of victory
is in continual resistance of Satan's attacks. He who triumphed
over the adversary of souls in the conflict of temptations under-
stands Satan's power over the race, and has conquered him in
our behalf. As an overcomer, He has given us the advantage of
His victory, that in our efforts to resist the temptations of Satan
we may unite our weakness to His strength, our worthlessness
to His merits. And sustained by His enduring might under the
strength of temptation, we may resist in His all-powerful name,
and overcome as He overcame."—Messages
to Young People,
p. 50.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 324, 325.
55
LESSON 7
May 11-17
"ao Maw
Vitad
ram
e
LW
"Besides this you know what hour it
is, how it is full time now for you to
wake from sleep. For salvation is
nearer to us now than when we first
believed; the night is far gone, the day
is at hand" (Rom. 13:11, 12, RSV).
The advent movement was born
following an awakening, a new
awareness of the time in which man
was living. The study of prophecies in
Daniel and Revelation clearly showed
that a time had been appointed as "the
time of the end," and that during that
time a special message would be
proclaimed to the world by the
remnant church.
For 182 years now we have been
living in the time of the end. It is 136
years since we first proclaimed God's
last message for man. It is not
surprising that attention has relaxed,
that interest in knowing the day and
the hour is no longer so keen as during
the days of the pioneers of our church.
But it is sad to note that the spiritual
life of the church has tragically
suffered the consequences, because
there is a direct relationship between
hope in the soon return of Jesus and
seriousness about making the
required preparation. "Every man that
hath this hope in him purifieth
himself, even as he is pure" (1 John
3:3).
We know that a revival will take
place before the preaching of the last
message can be finished. We realize
too that there are many among us who
long for this spiritual renewal. But
there must be a new awareness of the
hour in which we are living. This is not
only important, but it is also
prerequisite to stimulation of our zeal
and our capacity to discern the signs of
the times. Heralds of the soon coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ, awake!
"While we are not to know the hour
of our Lord's return, we may know
when it is near. 'Therefore let us not
sleep, as do others; but let us watch
and be sober.' 1 Thess. 5:6."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 235.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Signs of the Times
(Matt. 16:3)
2.
In the Fullness of Time
(Mark 1:14, 15; Gal. 4:4)
3.
The Time Appointed for
the End
(Dan. 8:19; 11:27, 35)
4.
A Sealed Book
(Dan. 12:4, 9)
5.
Knowledge Shall Increase
(Dan. 12:4, 10)
6.
High Time to Awake
(Rom. 13:11, 12)
"You Know What Hour It Is"
LESSON 7
Sunday
May 11
Part 1
SIGNS OF
THE TIMES
THINK IT THROUGH
What reproach did Jesus make to the religious leaders of
His day concerning their discernment of the time in which they
were living?
"Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern
the signs of the times?" (Matt. 16:3).
From the evidence given us, when Jesus spoke of the "signs
of the times," He was referring to specific signs foretold by the
prophets to enable His people to discern Messianic time. There-
fore, these signs had chronological value and were given to
mark the arrival of events foretold.
Jesus gave public proof of His Messiahship, which the Gospel
writer reported thus: "The throng wondered, when they saw the
dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the
blind seeing, and they glorified the God of Israel" (Matt. 15:31,
RSV). Then, having witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the
5000, the people said to one another, "This is of a truth that
prophet that should come into the world" (John 6:14), and they
wanted to proclaim Hirri King (verse 15).
What biblical proof do we have that the Jews knew that the
time of the Messiah had come? Luke 3:15, 16; 2:25, 26.
"The waning power of Israel testified that the Messiah's
coming was at hand. The prophecy of Daniel pictured the glory
of His reign over an empire which should succeed all earthly
kingdoms; and, said the prophet, 'It shall stand forever.' Dan.
2:44. While few understood the nature of Christ's mission, there
was a widespread expectation of a mighty prince who should
establish his kingdom in Israel and who should come as deli-
verer to the nations."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 34.
Do I have greater discernment of the signs of the time in
which I live than did those who lived during Christ's first
advent?
"Faith in the soon coming of Christ is waning. 'My Lord
delayeth His coming' is not only said in the heart, but expressed
in words and most decidedly in works. Stupidity in this watching
time is sealing the senses of God's people as to the signs of the
times. The terrible iniquity which abounds calls for the greatest
diligence and for the living testimony, to keep sin out of the
church. Faith has been decreasing to a fearful degree, and it is
only by exercise that it can increase."—Testimonies, vol. 3, pp.
255, 256.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies, vol.
1, pp. 260-263.
58
"You Know What Hour It Is"
LESSON 7
Monday
May 12
Part 2
IN THE
FULLNESS
OF TIME
THINK IT THROUGH
How does the New Testament confirm that Jesus came "in
the fulness of the time"?
"Now ... Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of
the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the
kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:14, 15).
"When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his
Son" (Gal. 4:4).
"As the message of Christ's first advent announced the king-
dom of His grace, so the message of His second advent an-
nounces the kingdom of His glory. And the second message,
like the first, is based on the prophecies."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 234.
Which of Daniel's prophecies permitted Israel to know the
time of the Messiah's advent? Dan. 9:24-27.
"The natural method of calculating these weeks is to consider
them consecutive, that is, the 62 weeks begin where the 7 weeks
end. These divisions are components of the 70 weeks men-
tioned in verse 24 thus: 7+62+1=70. . . .
"Beginning with the autumn of 457 B.C., when the decree
went into effect, 69 prophetic weeks, or 483 years, reach to the
baptism of Jesus in 27 A.D. . . .
" ... When these figures are applied to Christ, His ministry and
death, and the gospel to the Jews, perfect synchronism is
achieved."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, pp. 853, 854.
Have you been impressed by the exactness of timing in the
fulfillment of Bible prophecy?
William Miller was. " 'Another kind of evidence that vitally
affected my mind,' he says, 'was the chronology of the Scrip-
tures.... I found that predicted events, which had been fulfilled
in the past, often occurred within a given time. The one hundred
and twenty years to the flood (Genesis 6:3); the seven days that
were to precede it, with forty days of predicted rain (Genesis
7:4); the four hundred years of the sojourn of Abraham's seed
(Genesis 15:13); the three days of the butler's and baker's
dreams (Genesis 40:12-20); the seven years of Pharaoh's
[dream] (Genesis 41:28-54); the forty years in the wilderness
(Numbers 14:34); the three and a half years of famine (1 Kings
17:1); . . . the seventy years' captivity (Jeremiah 25:11);
Nebuchadnezzar's seven times (Daniel 4:13-16); and the seven
weeks, threescore and two weeks, and the one week, making
seventy weeks, determined upon the Jews (Daniel 9:24-27),—
the events limited by these times were all once only a matter of
prophecy, and were fulfilled in accordance with predictions.'—
Bliss
[Memoirs of William Miller],
pages 74, 75."—Quoted in
The
Great Controversy,
p. 323.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 231-235.
59
"You Know What Hour It Is"
LESSON 7
Tuesday
May 13
Part 3
THE TIME
APPOINTED
FOR THE END
What certainty do we have that there is a time appointed for
the end?
"At the time appointed the end shall be" (Dan. 8:19).
"The end shall be at the time appointed (Dan. 11:27).
"The time of the end ... is yet for a time appointed" (Dan.
11:35).
These verses should be considered along with Daniel 8:17;
11:40; 12:4, 9 where the expression "the time of the end" is also
used. These words are synonymous with the expression "the
last days." The time appointed for the end must be considered
in the frame of Daniel's prophecies, which establish the exact
beginning of the period in human history that the prophets and
the apostles call "the last days."
What prophecy in the book of Daniel allows us to determine
the exact year of the beginning of "the time of the end"? Dan.
7:25; 12:7.
This prophecy is mentioned seven times in the Bible: twice in
the book of Daniel, and five times in the Revelation (11 :2,3; 12:6,
14; 13:5), revealing how important it was to God that man know
and understand His plan. The time period is reported in three
different ways: in prophetic days, in prophetic months, and in
prophetic years. Twice the period is given as 1260 days, twice as
42 months, and three times as three years and a half; all of which
give exactly the same period of time-1260 literal years.
"The periods here mentioned . . . are the same, alike repre-
senting the time in which the church of Christ was to suffer
oppression from Rome. The 1260 years of papal supremacy
began in A.D. 538, and would therefore terminate in 1798.... At
that time a French army entered Rome and made the pope a
prisoner, and he died in
exile."—TheGreatControversy,
p.266.
THINK IT THROUGH
Of what significance is it to me that we are living in the very
end of time?
"We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of
the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The
days in which we live are solemn and important."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p.
11.
"Thank God, all will not be rocked to sleep in the cradle of
carnal security. There will be faithful ones who will discern the
signs of the times. While a large number professing present
truth will deny their faith by their works, there will be some who
will endure unto the
end."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 10.
FURTHER STUDY
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, pp. 833, 834.
60
"You Know What Hour It Is"
LESSON 7
Wednesday
May 14
Part 4
A SEALED
BOOK
THINK IT THROUGH
When Daniel desired to know the meaning of the prophecy
of the last days, what did the angel tell him?
"Thou, 0 Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even
to the time of the end."
"Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed
till the time of the end" (Dan. 12:4, 9).
"This instruction did not apply to the whole of the book of
Daniel, for a portion of the message has been understood and
thus been a blessing to believers for centuries. It applied, rather,
to that part of Daniel's prophecy that dealt with the last days. (AA
585; DA 234). Not until that time was reached could a message,
based on the fulfillment of these prophecies, be proclaimed."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 879.
"The words of the angel to Daniel relating to the last days
were to be understood in the time of the end."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 234.
"That part of his prophecy which related to the last days,
Daniel was bidden to close up and seal.... Not till we reach this
time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed,
based on a fulfillment of these prophecies."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
p. 356.
What contrary order was given to John concerning his vi-
sions? Rev. 22:10.
"In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end.
Here is the complement of the book of Daniel. One is a
prophecy; the other a revelation. The book that was sealed is
not the Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel
relating to the last days."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 585.
"The book of Daniel is unsealed in the revelation to John, and
carries us forward to the last scenes of this earth's history."—
Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 115.
Since the opportunity is now mine, why do I not apply myself
more diligently to the study of prophecies concerning the time
of the end?
"The last book of the New Testament Scriptures is full of truth
that we need to understand. Satan has blinded the minds of
many so that they have been glad of any excuse for not making
the Revelation their study. But Christ through His servant John
has here declared what shall be in the last days; and He says,
'Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.' "
—Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 116, 117.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 115-119.
61
"You Know What Hour It Is"
LESSON 7
Thursday
May 15
Part 5
What marvelous promise was made to Daniel concerning
KNOWLEDGE the sealed prophecies in his book?
SHALL INCREASE
"Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be in-
creased."
"The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall
understand; but the wise shall understand" (Dan. 12:4, 10).
"Knowledge shall be increased.
This clause may be con-
sidered the logical sequel to the immediately preceding clause:
When the sealed book is opened at the time of the end, knowl-
edge concerning the truths contained in these prophecies will
be increased.... At the end of the 18th and the beginning of the
19th century a new interest in the prophecies of Daniel and the
Revelation was awakened in widely separated places of earth.
The study of these prophecies led to a widespread belief that the
second advent of Christ was near. Numerous expositors in
England, Joseph Wolff in the Middle East, Manuel Lacunza in
South America, and William Miller in the United States, together
with a host of other students of the prophecies, declared, on the
basis of their study of the prophecies of Daniel, that the second
advent was at hand
."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 879.
In what does true wisdom consist? Job 28:28; Dan. 12:3.
The wise man with intelligence and understanding is happy,
not only to fear God and isolate himself from evil; he also
desires to teach others, to share what he has been privileged to
receive. "Whosoever shall do and teach them [these least com-
mandments], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of
heaven" (Matt. 5:19).
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I have that intelligence which, according to the
Bible, is powerful enough to overcome evil?
Imitate the apostle Paul, who, we are told, after Jesus, was
"the most illustrious teacher that this world has known."—
Education,
p. 51.
"While he possessed high intellectual endowments, the life of
Paul revealed the power of a rarer wisdom. Principles of deep-
est import, principles concerning which the greatest minds of
this time were ignorant, are unfolded in his teachings and
exemplified in his life. He had that greatest of all wisdom, which
gives quickness of insight and sympathy of heart, which brings
man in touch with men, and enables him to arouse their better
nature and inspire them to a higher
life."—Education,
p. 66.
FURTHER STUDY
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 547, 548.
62
"You Know What Hour It Is"
LESSON 7
Friday
May 16
Part 6
HIGH TIME
TO AWAKE
What should be the logical consequence of being aware of
the day and the hour in which we are living?
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to
awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when
we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand" (Rom.
13:11, 12).
This is the reasoning logically followed by all who have
preached the coming of God's kingdom. Matthew summarizes
the message of John the Baptist in these words: "Repent ye: for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2), Jesus preached
the same message (Mark 1:15), and the risen Christ urges the
Laodicean community to repent.
How did Jesus describe the condition of the believers while
they await His return? Matt. 25:5, 6.
"All who wait for the heavenly Bridegroom are represented in
the parable as slumbering because their Lord delayed His com-
ing; but the wise roused themselves at the message of His
approach, and responded to the message, and their spiritual
discernment was not all gone, and they sprang into line."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p.
1099.
According to the apostle Paul, what should a person do
because "the day is at hand"? Rom. 13:12-14.
"A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most
urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work."
—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 121.
But what is revival? "Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual
life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrec-
tion from spiritual death."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 128.
Revival should lead to reformation; that is, "reorganization, a
change in ideas and theories, habits and practices."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 128.
THINK IT THROUGH
What should I do to help bring a revival in the church?
"Are we awake to the work that is going on in the heavenly
sanctuary, or are we waiting for some compelling power to
come upon the church before we shall arouse? Are we hoping
to see the whole church revived? That time will never come.
"There are persons in the church who are not converted, and
who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter
upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less."
—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 122.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 121-128.
63
LESSON 8
May 18-24
M. "Ato COQ off
0 0 0
AinEEntogg Og c="ao"
"I saw another angel fly in the midst
of heaven, having the everlasting
gospel to preach unto them that dwell
on the earth, and to every nation, and
kindred, and tongue, and people ... ,
for the hour of his judgment is come"
(Rev. 14:6, 7).
If there is a time appointed for the
end—and there is—we also know,
according to the Bible, that God "hath
appointed a day, in the which he will
judge the world in righteousness"
(Acts 17:31). Moreover, the message
in Revelation 14 teaches that "the hour
of his judgment is come." This is why
God sends His angel to "preach unto
them that dwell on the earth" and to
beseech them to prepare to meet their
God.
"Since 1798 the book of Daniel has
been unsealed, knowledge of the
prophecies has increased, and many
have proclaimed the solemn message
of the judgment near."—The
Great
Controversy,
p. 356. However, it was
not until 1844 that the pioneers truly
understood the meaning of the
prophecy in Daniel 8:14 concerning
the cleansing of the sanctuary and its
relation to the judgment, whose
beginning had been foretold for that
year. Divine providence had
synchronized perfectly the
understanding of the 2300-day
prophecy, the beginning of the advent
movement, the opening of the
investigative judgment in the heavenly
sanctuary, and the proclamation of the
everlasting gospel on the earth.
"The message itself sheds light as to
the time when this movement is to
take place. It is declared to be a part of
the 'everlasting gospel;' and it
announces the opening of the
judgment. The message of salvation
has been preached in all ages; but this
message is a part of the gospel which
could be proclaimed only in the last
days, for only then would it be true
that the hour of judgment
had come.
The prophecies present a succession
of events leading down to the opening
of the judgment. This is especially true
of the book of Daniel. But that part of
his prophecy which related to the last
days, Daniel was bidden to close up
and seal 'to the time of the end.' Not
till we reach this time could a message
concerning the judgment be
proclaimed, based on a fulfillment of
these prophecies."—The
Great
Controversy,
pp. 355, 356.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
A Universal Judgment
(2 Cor. 5:10)
2.
The 2300 Days
(Dan. 7:9, 10, 25, 26)
3.
The Cleansing of the Sanctuary
(Dan. 8:14)
4.
The Investigative Judgment
(1 Peter 4:17)
5.
A Worldwide Witness
(Matt. 24:14)
6.
The Millennium
(Rev. 20:4-6; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3)
(A'
The Hour of .
. . Judgment Is Come"
LESSON 8
Sunday
May 18
Part 1
How does the Bible confirm the certainty of a universal
A UNIVERSAL judgment?
JUDGMENT
"We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that
every one may receive the things done in his body, according
to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10).
(Compare Eccl. 3:17; 12:14.)
The entire Bible positively affirms the fact that at the end of
human history every man will have to pass before the judgment
bar of God. No one will be able to escape; every man's works will
be judged. God will "render to every man according to his
deeds" (Rom. 2:6).
What other facts does Paul give concerning the judgment?
Acts 17:30, 31; 24:25.
The proclamation of a "judgment to come" was the basis of
apostolic preaching. How much more should it be the subject of
today's preaching, now that "the hour of ... judgment is come"!
"This judgment does not take place at death. Mark the words
of Paul: 'He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the
world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained.'
Acts 17:31. . . . Here the apostle plainly stated that a specified
time, then future, had been fixed upon for the judgment of the
world. . . .
"But if the dead are already enjoying the bliss of heaven or
writhing in the flames of hell, what need of a future judgment?"
—The Great Controversy,
pp. 548, 549.
THINK IT THROUGH
What should be the result of my belief that I must give
account one day of my actions, words, and thoughts?
"In the judgment the use made of every talent will be
scrutinized. How have we employed the capital lent us of
Heaven? Will the Lord at His coming receive His own with
usury? Have we improved the powers entrusted us, in hand and
heart and brain, to the glory of God and the blessing of the
world? How have we used our time, our pen, our voice, our
money, our influence? What have we done for Christ, in the
person of the poor, the afflicted, the orphan, or the widow? God
has made us the depositaries of His holy word; what have we
done with the light and truth given us to make men wise unto
salvation? No value is attached to a mere profession of faith in
Christ; only the love which is shown by works is counted
genuine. Yet it is love alone which in the sight of Heaven makes
any act of value. Whatever is done from love, however small it
may appear in the estimation of men, is accepted and rewarded
of God."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 487.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 384-387.
66
"The Hour of . . Judgmenr Is Come"
LESSON 8
Monday
May 19
Part 2
THE 2300 DAYS
THINK IT THROUGH
What description does Daniel give of the judgment?
Chronologically, what event does it follow? Dan. 7:9,10, 25, 26.
These verses give the chronological order of two events of
utmost importance: first, the judgment takes place at the time
that a prolongation of life is accorded to the earthly powers for
"a season and a time" (verse 12) and "one like the Son of man"
appears before "the ancient of days" (verse 13); second, this
judgment follows the fulfillment of the prophecy of the 1260
years of papal supremacy which ended in 1798 (verse 25).
''It is He [God the Father], the source of all being, and the
fountain of all law, that is to preside in the judgment. And holy
angels as ministers and witnesses, in number 'ten thousand
times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,' attend this
great tribunal."—Th9
Great Controversy,
p. 479.
What other prophecy should we study diligently, because of
its close relation to the "time of the end"? Dan. 8:14, 17.
Paul clearly stated that God "hath appointed a day, in the
which he will judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:31).
God appointed that day, and it was He who revealed the precise
date of the 2300-day prophecy, a prophetic period spanning
2300 years, whose starting point was the same as that of the
70-week prophecy which fixed the date of the Messiah's first
advent. The starting point for both was 457 B.C., when Ar-
taxerxes authorized the rebuilding and restoration of
Jerusalem.
"Taking this as the starting point, there was perfect harmony
in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of
that period in Daniel 9:25-27. . . . The seventy weeks, or 490
years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of
this period the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the perse-
cution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles,
A.D. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810
years would remain. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844.
'Then,' said the angel, 'shall the sanctuary be cleansed.' All the
preceding specifications of the prophecy had been unques-
tionably fulfilled at the time appointed."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 410.
How much importance do I give the year 1844? As much as
prophecy gives it?
"Such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300
days . . . , are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent
movement and show what our present position is, establish the
faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious
future."—Early
Writings,
p. 63.
FURTHER STUDY
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, pp. 850, 851.
67
"The Hour of . . . Judgment Is Come"
LESSON 8
Tuesday
May 20
Part 3
What event was to mark the end of the 2300 years? Of what
THE CLEANSING sanctuary is the prophet speaking?
OF THE
SANCTUARY
"He said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred
days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed" (Dan. 8:14). (See
also Heb. 8:1, 2; 9:11, 24.)
"The term 'sanctuary,' as used in the Bible, refers, first, to the
tabernacle built by Moses, as a pattern of heavenly things; and,
secondly, to the 'true tabernacle' in heaven, to which the earthly
sanctuary pointed. At the death of Christ the typical service
ended. The 'true tabernacle' in heaven is the sanctuary of the
new covenant. And as the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 is fulfilled in
this dispensation, the sanctuary to which it refers must be the
sanctuary of the new covenant. At the termination of the 2300
days, in 1844, there had been no sanctuary on earth for many
centuries. Thus the prophecy [of the 2300 days] unquestionably
points to the sanctuary in heaven."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 417.
What does the cleansing of the sanctuary mean?
"Christ's daily ministration as our high priest was typified in
the daily services. The annual Day of Atonement typified a work
that Christ would undertake at the close of the age. For a
detailed discussion of these two phases of service see . . . GC
418-423. The prophecy of Dan. 8:14 announces the time for the
beginning of this special work. The cleansing of the heavenly
sanctuary comprehends the entire work of final judgment, be-
ginning with the investigative phase and ending with the execu-
tive phase, which results in the permanent eradication of sin from
the universe."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, pp. 844, 845.
"The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of
investigation—a work of judgment. This work must be per-
formed prior to the coming of Christ to redeem His people; for
when He comes, His reward is with Him to give to every man
according to his works. Revelation 22:12."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
p. 422.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is my condition in this fearful and solemn time?
"Shall we not search the Scriptures, that we may know where
we are in this world's history? Shall we not become intelligent in
regard to the work that is being accomplished for us at this time,
and the position that we as sinners should occupy while this
work of atonement is going forward? If we have any regard for
our souls' salvation, we must make a decided change. We must
seek the Lord with true penitence; we must with deep contrition
of soul confess our sins, that they may be blotted out."—
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 125.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 417-422.
68
"The Hour of . . Judgment Is Come"
LESSON 8
Wednesday
May 21
Part 4
With whom does the investivative judgment begin?
THE
INVESTIGATIVE
"The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of
JUDGMENT God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them
that obey not the gospel of God" (1 Peter 4:17).
"In the typical service only those who had come before God
with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the
blood of the sin offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had
a part in the service of the Day of Atonement. So in the great day
of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases
considered are those of the professed people of God. The
judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and
takes place at a later period. 'Judgment must begin at the house
of God.'
"—The Great Controversy,
p. 480.
"Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our
Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation,
and closes with the living."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 483.
Why does the investigative judgment take place before the
return of Jesus? (See Matt. 25:31-33; 13:47-50.)
A previous judgment must take place in order that a separa-
tion can be made between the just and the wicked at the return
of Jesus. In effect, "when the work of the investigative judgment
closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death.
Probation is ended for a short time before the appearing of the
Lord in the clouds of heaven."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 490.
"It is for the benefit of all created beings that the facts with
respect to each person's fate should be known, as an assurance
to all that justice has been done and as a guarantee of the
eternal stability of the divine government."—S.D.A.
Ency-
clopedia,
art. "Investigative Judgment."
THINK IT THROUGH
If my case were to be examined today, would I be justified by
my faith in Jesus Christ?
"Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of
the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein.
The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many
years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how
soon—it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful pres-
ence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time
above all others it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour's
admonition: 'Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.'
Mark 13:33. 'If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on
thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come
upon thee.' Revelation 3:3."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 490.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 479-491.
69
"The Hour of . . . Judgment Is Come"
LESSON 8
Thursday
May 22
Part 5
A WORLDWIDE
What is God's plan for the world just before the end of time?
WITNESS
THINK IT THROUGH
"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the
world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end
come" (Matt. 24:14).
Because God "will have all men to be saved, and to come unto
the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4), He has periodically sent
special messengers into the world. What He did in times past—
for the antediluvians, for Sodom and Gomorrah, for Nineveh,
and for Jerusalem—God also wishes to do for the world just
prior to the end of its history.
The progress of the spread of the gospel throughout the
world, from the beginning of the nineteenth century until our
day, constitutes a sign of the times of great significance. The
good news has been preached in most of the world. And, as for
the written testimony, no other book has known such wide-
spread distribution throughout the world, nor has any other
been translated into so many languages as the Bible. Only a few
people in the world today do not have access to at least some
part of Scripture in their own tongue.
At the time of the investigative judgment, what special mes-
sage was to be given to the world? Rev. 14:6.
"The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His
judgments for disobedience and transgression until He has sent
His watchmen to give the warning. He will not close up the
period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly
proclaimed."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 19.
"In the prophecy [referring to the first angel of Revelation 14]
this warning of the judgment, with its connected messages, is
followed by the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of
heaven. The proclamation of the judgment is an announcement
of Christ's second coming as at hand. And this proclamation is
called the everlasting gospel."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p.
227.
Since God has greatly favored me by giving me the everlast-
ing gospel, what is my responsibility in its proclamation?
"The work of preaching the gospel has not been connected to
angels, but has been entrusted to men. Holy angels have been
employed in directing this work, they have in charge the great
movements for the salvation of men; but the actual proclama-
tion of the gospel is performed by the servants of Christ upon
the earth."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 312.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 355, 356;
Counsels to Teachers,
p.
324.
70
"The Hour of .
. . Judgment Is Come"
LESSON 8
Friday
May 23
Part 6
Which phase of the judgment will take place during the
THE MILLENNIUM millennium? Who will take part in it?
"I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was
given unto them: ... and they lived and reigned with Christ a
thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until
the thousand years were finished.... Blessed and holy is he
that hath part in the first resurrection: ... they shall be priests
of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand
years" (Rev. 20:4-6).
"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? ...
Know ye not that we shall judge angels?" (1 Cor. 6:2, 3).
"SDA's understand that the great final judgment involves
three steps: (1) an investigative judgment, by which those eligi-
ble to eternal life are separated from those who are not eligible
in a pre-Advent investigation; (2) an examination of the indi-
vidual cases of the wicked by the righteous, during the millen-
nium, to assure the latter that justice is being done in each case
and to determine the sentence to be meted out in each case;
and (3) the executive judgment, which takes place at the close
. of the millennium, when sentence is executed in the fires of
hell."—S.D.A.
Encyclopedia,
art. "Judgment."
The judgment in which the saints take part involves two sets
of records: first, the cases of men who loved the world more
than God; and, second, those of "angels which kept not their
first estate, but left their own habitation" (Jude 6).
What is the last phase of God's judgment? Rev. 20:11-15.
After everyone's case has been decided—first, those of the
household of God (investigative judgment); then, those of the
world and of fallen angels (during the millennium)—comes the
solemn moment of the judgment proclamation.
"In the presence of the assembled inhabitants of earth and
heaven the final coronation of the Son of God takes place. And
now, invested with supreme majesty and power, the King of
kings pronounces sentence upon the rebels against His govern-
ment and executes justice upon those who have transgressed
His law and oppressed His people."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 666.
"The whole wicked world stand arraigned at the bar of God on
the charge of high treason against the government of heaven.
They have none to plead their cause; they are without excuse;
and the sentence of eternal death is pronounced against
them."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 668.
What promise is addressed to those who inherit eternal life?
Rev. 20:6.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 666-673.
71
LESSON 9
May 25-31
E Eagginp
UCT ITEM
A Message for Our Time
LESSON 9
Sunday
May 25
Part 1
Under what symbol is the bearer of the first angel's mes-
THE
sage presented to us?
EVERLASTING
GOSPEL
"I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting gospel" (Rev. 14:6).
"This is a symbolic vision. The angel represents God's saints
engaged in the task of proclaiming the everlasting gospel,
especially the features mentioned in this verse, at a time when
the 'judgment is come' (v. 7). It is, of course, also true that literal
angels assist men in the task of proclaiming the gospel, but this
is not the predominant idea here. . . .
... The area of flight indicates the worldwide nature of the
angel's work and message. The work grows and develops until
it is brought to the sight and hearing of all mankind.
" . .. Only here is the word 'everlasting' used in connection
with the gospel of the grace of God. There is but one gospel to
save men. It will continue as long as there are men to be saved.
There never will be another gospel."—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 7,
p. 827.
For what purpose is the everlasting gospel given, and how
should it be proclaimed? Rev. 14:6, 7.
Literally, this means "an everlasting gospel to evangelize."
The gospel of salvation has been given to man through
evangelization. Just as there is no other gospel by which man
can be saved, so there is only one means provided by God for
the proclamation of the gospel on earth.
"The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning
is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the
heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleased to repre-
sent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by
the message and the power and glory that were to attend it. And
the angel's flight 'in the midst of heaven,' the 'loud voice' with
which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all 'that
dwell on the earth,'—'to every nation, and kindred, and tongue,
and people,'—give evidence of the rapidity and worldwide ex-
tent of the movement."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 355.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what way am Ito be a bearer of the everlasting gospel?
"The priceless treasure is placed in earthen vessels. Through
men His blessings are to be conveyed to the world. Through
them His glory is to shine forth into the darkness of sin. In loving
ministry they are to meet the sinful and the needy, and lead them
to the cross. And in all their work they are to ascribe glory,
honor, and praise to Him who is above all and over all."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 330.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 2, pp. 114-116;
My Life Today,
p. 305.
74
A Message for
Our Time
LESSON 9
Tuesday
May 27
Part 3
What second command Is contained in the first angel's
GIVE HIM message?
GLORY
"Give glory to him" (Rev. 14:7).
It is man's duty to recognize and extol the glory of God. Man
was created to be in "the image and glory of God" (1 Cor. 11:7).
Likewise, God purchased a people "unto the praise of his glory"
(Eph. 1:14). And when the Lord enters into His kingdom, the
redeemed will exclaim to one another, "Let us be glad and
rejoice, and give honour to him" (Rev. 19:6, 7). "Give glory to
him" should be the lifelong objective of God's creatures. It was
that of Jesus (John 7:18), and at the end of His earthly ministry
He was able to say, "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have
finished the work which thou gayest me to do" (John 17:4).
Following the example of Jesus, how can we glorify God on
earth? Matt. 5:16; John 15:8; 1 Peter 2:12.
"The good works of the children of God are the most effectual
preaching that the unbeliever
has."—Testimonies,vol.
1, p. 193.
"In the night of spiritual darkness God's glory is to shine
through His church in lifting up the bowed down and comfort-
ing those that mourn."—Prophets
and Kings,
p. 718.
"As Sabbathkeeping Adventists we profess to obey all God's
commandments and to be looking for the coming of our Re-
deemer. A most solemn message of warning has been entrusted
to God's faithful few. We should show by our words and works
that we recognize the great responsibility laid upon us. Our light
should shine so clearly that others can see that we glorify the
Father in our daily lives; that we are connected with heaven and
are joint heirs with Jesus Christ, that when He shall appear in
power and great glory, we shall be like
Him."—Testimonies,
vol.
4, p. 16.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what ways do my life, my words, my actions give glory to
God?
"Christ declares: 'Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear
much fruit.' John 15:8. God has endowed us with faculties and
has entrusted us with talents in order that we may use them for
Him. To every man is given his work—not merely work in his
fields of corn and wheat, but earnest, persevering work for the
salvation of souls. Every stone in God's temple must be a living
stone, a stone that shines, reflecting light to the world."—
Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 246.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 58-60.
76
A Message for Our Time
LESSON 9
Wednesday
May 28
Part 4
WORSHIP
THE CREATOR
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the purpose of the first angel's call?
"Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea,
and the fountains of waters" (Rev. 14:7).
"The worship of God is in contrast with the worship of the
beast (ch. 13:8, 12) and that of its image (v. 15). In the crisis soon
to come, the inhabitants of the earth will be called upon to make
their choice, as did the three Hebrew worthies in days of old,
between the worship of the true God and that of false gods (Dan.
3). The message of the first angel is designed to prepare men to
make the proper choice and to stand firm in the time of crisis.
. . . The appeal to worship God as Creator has become
especially timely in the years following the initial preaching of
the first angel's message, because of the rapid spread of the
theory of evolution. Furthermore, the call to worship the God of
heaven as Creator of all things implies that due heed be given to
the sign of God's creative works—the Sabbath of the Lord.... If
the Sabbath had been kept as God intended, it would have
served as a great safeguard against infidelity and evolution (see
Acts 14:15;
PP
336). The Sabbath will be a point especially
controverted in the closing crisis."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol.
7, p. 828.
To which temptation is today's world particularly sub-
jected? How did Jesus meet it? Matt. 4:8-10.
"With the same temptation Satan approaches men, and here
he has better success than with Christ. To men he offers the
kingdom of this world on condition that they will acknowledge
his supremacy. He requires that they sacrifice integrity, disre-
gard conscience, indulge selfishness.... Satan walks by their
side and says: Whatever may be true in regard to life eternal, in
order to make a success in this world you must serve me. I hold
your welfare in my hands. I can give you riches, pleasures,
honor, and happiness."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 130.
If I looked upon the world as it really is, would not the
temptation to worship false gods be less enticing?
"Before His [Christ's] sight the tempter held the kingdoms of
the world. As Satan saw them, they possessed great external
grandeur. But Christ saw them in a different aspect, just as they
were—earthly dominions under the power of a tyrant. He saw
humanity full of woe, suffering under the oppressive power of
Satan. He saw the earth defiled by hatred, revenge, malice, lust,
and murder. He saw fiends in the possession of the bodies and
souls of men."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
vol. 5, p. 1083.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 436-438.
77
A Message for
Our Time
LESSON 9
Thursday
May 29
Part 5
What has been the attitude of sinners toward the Creator?
WORSHIP—
FALSE AND
"When they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither
TRUE were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and
their foolish heart was darkened."
"Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped
and served the creature more than the Creator, who is
blessed for ever" (Rom. 1:21, 25). (Compare Rom. 1:18-25; 2
Peter 3:5.)
"A terrible picture of the condition of the world has been
presented before me. Immorality abounds everywhere. Licen-
tiousness is the special sin of this age. Never did vice lift its
deformed head with such boldness as now.
"I was referred to Romans 1:18-32, as a true description of the
world previous to the second appearing of Christ."—Child
Guidance,
p. 440.
What instructions did our Lord give concerning the proper
way to worship God? John 4:21-24.
"Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men
brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be
confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that
comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In
order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit.
This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new
capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing
obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship.... For
such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to
make them His sons and daughters."—The
Desire of Ages,
p.
189.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why do you worship God? What feelings do you experience
in your worship?
"It should be a pleasure to worship the Lord and to take part in
His work. God would not have His children, for whom so great
salvation has been provided, act as if He were a hard, exacting
taskmaster. He is their best friend; and when they worship Him,
He expects to be with them, to bless and comfort them, filling
their hearts with joy and love. . . . He desires that those who
come to worship Him shall carry away with them precious
thoughts of His care and love, that they may be cheered in all the
employments of daily life, that they may have grace to deal
honestly and faithfully in all things."—Steps
to Christ,
p. 103.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 295.
78
A Message for Our Time
LESSON 9
Friday
May 30
Part 6
THE SIGN OF
TRUE WORSHIP
From a practical viewpoint, what constitutes worship?
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22). (Compare verse 23; Matt.
7:21-23.)
"The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is
represented to be by many. 'Believe, believe,' is their cry; 'only
believe in Christ, and you will be saved. It is all you have to do.'
While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it will lead to
perfect conformity to the law of God. Faith is manifested by
works. And the apostle John declares, 'He that saith, I know him,
and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar.' "—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 1073.
By what sign can we know that one truly worships "him that
made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of
waters"? (See Ex. 31:16, 17; 20:8-11; Eze. 20:12, 20.)
" 'The importance of the Sabbath as the memorial of creation
is that it keeps ever present the true reason why worship is due
to God'—because He is the Creator, and we are His creatures.
'The Sabbath therefore lies at the very foundation of divine
worship, for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive
manner, and no other institution does this. The true ground of
divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely, but of all
worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His
creatures. This great fact can never become obsolete, and must
never be forgotten.'—J.
N.
Andrews,
History of the Sabbath,
chapter
27."—The Great Controversy,
pp. 437, 438.
THINK IT THROUGH
"What shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
This is the question asked by the rich young ruler. The Mas-
ter's response left no doubt: "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the
commandments" (Matt. 19:17). "Obedience is the test of disci-
pleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the
sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we ac-
cept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement,
bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God.
When benevolence, kindness, tenderheartedness, sympathy,
are manifest in our lives; when the joy of right doing is in our
hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not self, we may know that our
faith is of the right order. 'Hereby we do know that we know Him,
if we keep His commandments.' 1 John
2:3."—Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing,
pp. 146, 147.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 307-310.
79
LESSON 10
June 1-7
10. Come Out of
abylon, My People
The Third Angel's Message
LESSON 11
Monday
June 9
Part 2
THE BEAST
AND HIS IMAGE
THINK IT THROUGH
What earthly power is implicated with the beast spoken of in
the third angel's message?
"If any man worship the beast and his image" (Rev. 14:9).
(See also Rev. 13:2-8.)
"In chapter 13 (verses 1-10) is described another beast, ... to
which the dragon gave 'his power, and his seat, and great
authority.' This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, rep-
resents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and
authority once held by the ancient Roman empire. . . .
" ... This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began with
the supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and terminated in 1798.
At that time the pope was made captive by the French army, the
papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was
fulfilled, 'He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.' "
—The Great Controversy,
p. 439.
"After this, says the prophet, 'his deadly wound was healed:
and all the world wondered after the beast.' Paul states plainly
that the 'man of sin' will continue until the second advent.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry
forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also
referring to the papacy: 'All that dwell upon the earth shall
worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.'
Revelation 13:8."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 579.
What is the image to the beast spoken of in the third angel's
message? Rev. 14:9; 13:12-17.
"By this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an
ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to
punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents another
religious body clothed with similar powers. The formation of
this image is the work of that beast whose peaceful rise and mild
professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States.
Here is to be found an image of the Papacy. When the churches
of our land, uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them
in common, shall influence the State to enforce their decrees
and sustain their institutions, then will Protestant America have
formed an image of the Roman hierarchy."—The
Story of Re-
demption,
pp. 381, 382.
It is time to understand that the fight of faith, soon to come,
will be something different from doctrinal disputes or from the
struggle against the carnal man. (Read Eph. 6:10-12.)
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 439-445.
91
The Third Angel's Message
LESSON 11
Tuesday
June 10
Part 3
THE MARK OF
THE BEAST
AND THE SEAL
OF GOD
What mark will distinguish those who worship the beast and
his image just before the end of time?
"If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive
his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of
the wine of the wrath of God" (Rev. 14:9,10). (Compare 13:16,
17.)
"Adventist interpreters understand this mark to be not a lit-
eral brand but some sign of allegiance that identified the bearer
as loyal to the power represented by the beast. The controversy
at that time will center on the law of God, and particularly on the
fourth command. . . . Hence the observance of Sunday will
constitute such a sign, but only at the time when the beast's
power will be revived and Sunday observance becomes a matter
of compliance with civil law. Adventists hold that simultaneously
the third angel's message will warn against the reception of the
mark (ch. 14:9-11). This message, swelling into a loud cry (ch.
18:1-4), will enlighten men as to the issues involved. When the
issues are thus clearly before them, and men nevertheless
choose to support an institution of the beast, knowing it to be in
direct opposition to the command of God, they thereby show
their allegiance to the power and receive the mark of the
beast."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 822.
In contradistinction to the mark of the beast, what sign will
God's children receive? Rev. 7:3; 2 Cor. 1:22.
"As in ancient times a seal on an object testified to its owner-
ship, so the seal of God upon His people proclaims that He has
recognized them as His own (see 2 Tim. 2:19; cf. TM 446).
"The seal to be affixed upon God's faithful servants is 'the
pure mark of truth,' the 'mark' of His 'approval' (3T 267). It
attests 'likeness to Christ in character' [EGW RH May 5, 1895].
... 'The seal of God, the token or sign of His authority, is found in
the fourth commandment" (EGW ST Nov. 1, 1899; cf. GC
640)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 782.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are you sure of your passport to enter the Holy City?
"Only those who receive the seal of the living God will have
the passport through the gates of the Holy City. But there are
many who take upon themselves responsibilities in connection
with the work of God who are not wholehearted believers, and
while they remain thus cannot receive the seal of the living God.
They trust in their own righteousness, which the Lord accounts
as foolishness."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol.
7, p. 970.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 210-214.
92
The Third Angel's Message
LESSON 11
Wednesday
June 11
Part 4
TRUE AND
FALSE WORSHIP
The worship of the beast and his image implies hostility to
God's law. What result naturally follows this open hostility?
"They have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast
and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his
name" (Rev. 14:11).
"When Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the
world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true
Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God,
to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of
Rome, will thereby honor popery above God. He is paying hom-
age to Rome and to the power which enforces the institution
ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image. As
men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the
sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome has
chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept
the sign of allegiance to Rome—The mark of the beast.' And it is
not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they
are brought to choose between the commandments of God and
the commandments of men, that those who continue in trans-
gression will receive 'the mark of the beast.'
"—The Great Con-
troversy,
p. 449.
What sign distinguishes those who worship the true God?
Isa. 56:1, 2, 6, 7.
"While the worshipers of God will be especially distinguished
by their regard for the fourth commandment—since this is the
sign of His creative power and the witness to His claim upon
man's reverence and homage,—the worshipers of the beast will
be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator's
memorial, to exalt the institution of Rome."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
p. 446.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are you doing to prepare for that final test?
"Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the
worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those
who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before
God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth—these are
receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in
their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is
impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for
eternity.
"Now is the time to
prepare."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 216.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 445-450.
93
The Third Angel's Message
LESSON 11
Thursday
June 12
Part 5
THE TIME OF
THE FINAL
CRISIS
What laws will be enacted by the religiopolitical power sym-
bolized by the image to the beast at the time of the final crisis?
"He causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free
and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their
foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had
the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name"
(Rev. 13:16, 17).
"A time is coming when the law of God is, in a special sense,
to be made void in our land. The rulers of our nation will, by
legislative enactments, enforce the Sunday law, and thus God's
people be brought into great peril. When our nation, in its
legislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences of
men in regard to their religious privileges, enforcing Sunday
observance, and bringing oppressive power to bear against
those who keep the seventh-day Sabbath, the law of God will, to
all intents and purposes, be made void in our land; and national
apostasy will be followed by national ruin."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 977.
What extreme measure will be taken as regards those who
refuse to receive the mark of the beast or to worship the image
to the beast? Rev. 13:15.
"In the issue of the conflict all Christendom will be divided
into two great classes, those who keep the commandments of
God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and
his image, and receive his
mark."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 16.
"This is the story of the ages. Legislation in matters of religion
has ever been followed by persecution. It was so during the
Middle Ages: witness the massacre of the Waldenses and
others, at the hands of the civil power, to be sure, but prompted
by the dominant church of the day. In its attempt to make all
earth's inhabitants give allegiance to the first beast . . . the
second beast will issue a decree threatening with death all who
maintain their loyalty to God."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 822.
THINK IT THROUGH
When will Sunday keeping become the mark of the beast?
"Sundaykeeping is not yet the mark of the beast, and will not
be until the decree goes forth causing men to worship this idol
sabbath. The time will come when this day will be the test, but
that time has not come yet."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 977.
FURTHER STUDY
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, pp. 975-977.
94
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LESSON 12
June 15-21
12. Repairers of
the Breach
Repairers of the Breach
LESSON 12
Sunday
June 15
Part 1
What Christian virtue does the angel mention first? Why?
THE PATIENCE
OF THE SAINTS
"Here is the patience of the saints" (Rev. 14:12).
"Here the translation 'steadfast endurance' would be a more
suitable rendering. The context calls attention to the fearful
struggle with the beast and his image. Every attempt will be
made to force the remnant to join the movement promoted by
the second beast, including the threat of boycott and death.
(Rev. 13:11-17). At the same time Satan will work with all 'de-
ceivableness of unrighteousness' (2 Thess. 2:10; cf. Matt.
24:24), making it appear that the power of God is manifest in the
movement. Through all this the faithful remnant steadfastly
endure and maintain their integrity. Their steadfastness merits
special commendation."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p.
832.
What part does endurance play in the work of salvation?
Matt. 24:9-13; Heb. 10:35-39.
In these texts Jesus places the endurance of the saints in its
proper relation to the terrible conditions prevalent in the last
days—affliction, deception, iniquity, and general apostasy—
obstacles set up by the enemy to cause the saints to stumble
and fall. The children of God will meet every temptation and
emerge victorious. Salvation is promised only to those who
endure to the end, remain faithful in spite of general apostasy,
and preserve their purity in a rising flood of iniquity.
"That this admonition [Heb. 10:35-39] is addressed to the
church in the last days is evident from the words pointing to the
nearness of the Lord's coming: 'For yet a little while, and He that
shall come will come and will not tarry.' ... The instruction here
given is especially adapted to the experience of Adventists at
this time. The people here addressed were in danger of making
shipwreck of faith.... Their only safe course was to cherish the
light which they had already received of God, hold fast to His
promises, and continue to search the Scriptures, and patiently
wait and watch to receive further light."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
p. 408.
THINK IT THROUGH
Has patience completed her perfect work in me? (See
James 1:2-4.)
"Faith, patience, forbearance, heavenly-mindedness, trust in
your wise, heavenly Father, are the perfect blossoms which
mature amidst clouds and disappointments and bereave-
ments."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
7, p. 934.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 465-468;
Prophets and Kings,
p.
437.
98
Repairers of the Breach
LESSON 12
Wednesday
June 18
Part 4
THE LAW
AND GRACE
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the role of the law in the work of salvation?
"By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in
his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20).
(Compare ch. 7:7.)
"The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that
we might be justified by faith" (Gal. 3:24).
"Without the law, men have no just conception of the purity
and holiness of God or of their own guilt and uncleanness. They
have no true conviction of sin and feel no need of repentance.
Not seeing their lost condition as violators of God's law, they do
not realize their need of the atoning blood of Christ. The hope of
salvation is accepted without a radical change of heart or ref-
ormation of life. Thus superficial conversions abound, and mul-
titudes are joined to the church who have never been united to
Christ."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 468.
How does faith in Jesus complement the work of the law in
the salvation of men? Rom. 3:21-26; Gal. 5:5, 6.
The knowledge of sin is possible only by the law of God, and
justification is obtainable only "by faith in Jesus Christ" (Rom.
3:22, RSV). Through the law the sinner is made conscious of his
guilt in the sight of God; through faith in Jesus he is freely
forgiven.
How does genuine faith express itself? James 2:14-26.
"The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no
self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world, has made
the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what
saith the word of God? . . .
"The testimony of the word of God is against this ensnaring
doctrine of faith without works. It is not faith that claims the
favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions upon
which mercy is to be granted, it is presumption; for genuine
faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the
Scriptures."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 472.
Until now, how have I shown my faith to be genuine? In what
ways have I proclaimed the third angel's message?
"The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one
end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This
is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel."—
Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 19.
FURTHER STUDY
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, pp. 1070-1073.
101
"He which testifieth these things
saith, Surely I come quickly" (Rev.
22:20).
The Apocalypse opens with the
words "the Revelation of Jesus
Christ." "In Greek, as in English, this
phrase may be understood . . . to be
either a revelation from Jesus or one
that reveals Him."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 728. In reality,
the Apocalypse is both a revelation of
God given by Jesus Christ as the
intermediary and one that reveals
Jesus Christ Himself, Him "which is,
and which was, and which is to come"
(Rev. 1:4). Certainly, as Ellen White so
aptly stated, "All revelation to men
comes through Christ, and all centers
in Him."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p.
953. This is particularly true in this
marvelous book where we have "the
testimony of Jesus Christ" revealed to
His church and the revelation given by
the "faithful and true witness."
Like the prophet on Patmos, we now
await the glorious appearing of our
Lord Jesus Christ, as foretold from the
first page to the last of the Apocalypse.
This time the revelation will not be
made through the intermediary of
witnesses or visions, but in reality and
face-to-face. His promise is certain: "I
Jesus have sent mine angel to testify
unto you these thins in the churches.
. Surely I come quickly" (Rev. 22:16,
20).
"The Lord . . . is soon coming, and
we must be ready and waiting for His
appearing. Oh, how glorious it will be
to see Him and be welcomed as His
redeemed ones! Long have we waited,
but our hope is not to grow dim. If we
can but see the King in His beauty we
shall be forever blessed. I feel as if I
must cry aloud: 'Homeward bound!'
We are nearing the time when Christ
will come in power and great glory to
take His ransomed ones to their
eternal
home."—Testimonies,
vol. 8,
p. 253.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Son of Man in Glory
(Rev. 14:14)
2.
The Harvest of the Earth
(Rev. 14:15, 16)
3.
The Vintage
(Rev. 14:18)
4.
On the Sea of Glass
(Rev. 15:2)
5.
The Song of the Redeemed
(Rev. 15:3)
6.
"Even So, Come, Lord Jesus"
(Rev. 22:17)
"Behold, He Cometh With Clouds"
LESSON 13
Sunday
June 22
Part 1
THE SON OF
MAN IN GLORY
THINK IT THROUGH
What is John's description of the coming of the Son of man
in glory?
"I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one
sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden
crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle" (Rev. 14:14). (Compare
1:7; 19:11-16.)
The fact that the glorious return of Jesus Christ is to follow
immediately after the proclamations of the three angels shows
that their messages constitute God's last call, His final warning.
In Revelation 1:7 the prophet of Patmos affirmed that "every
eye shall see him," even "they also which pierced him." In
chapter 14, verses 14 to 18, the reason for His return is evinced:
He comes to "reap; for the harvest of earth is ripe," to "gather
the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe."
Finally, in the vision of chapter 19 Jesus appears with His
triumphal retinue as "King of kings, and Lord of lords."
In what points do these descriptions of our Lord's return
reaffirm the promises made previously? Matt. 24:30, 31; 26:64;
Acts 1:9-11.
"No human pen can portray the scene; no mortal mind is
adequate to conceive its splendor.... [Hab. 3:3, 4 quoted.] As
the living cloud comes still nearer, every eye beholds the Prince
of life. No crown of thorns now mars that sacred head; but a
diadem of glory rests on His holy brow. His countenance out-
shines the dazzling brightness of the noonday sun. 'And He hath
on His vesture and on His thigh a name written,
King of kings,
and Lord of lords.'
Revelation 19:16."--The
Great Controversy,
p. 641.
Is the promise of our Lord's return the "blessed hope" for
me personally?
"We are pilgrims and strangers who are waiting, hoping, and
praying for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If we believe this and bring it into
our practical life, what vigorous action would this faith and
hope inspire; what fervent love one for another; what careful
holy living for the glory of God; and in our respect for the
recompense of the reward, what distinct lines of demarcation
would be evidenced between us and the
world."—Evangelism,
p. 220.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 299-303.
1Q6
"Behold, He Cometh With Clouds"
LESSON 13
Monday
June 23
Part 2
What order was given by the angel to Him that was seated
THE HARVEST upon the cloud having "in his hand a sharp sickle"?
OF THE EARTH
"Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee
to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on
the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was
reaped" (Rev. 14:15, 16).
"Verses 15-20 [of Revelation 14] describe the great harvest at
the end of all things. The harvest comprehends two distinctive
events. One is described in vs. 16, 17, and the other in vs. 18-20.
The first refers to the gathering of the righteous, represented
here by ripened grain, as shown in the Greek by the word
translated 'ripe.' The second refers to the wicked, represented
by the clusters of 'fully ripe' grapes."—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary, vol.
7, p. 834.
What figure did Jesus use to illustrate• the harvest of the
world? What did He warn would happen at that time? Matt.
13:24-30, 36-43.
" 'The field,' Christ said, 'is the world.' But we must under-
stand this as signifying the church of Christ in the world. The
parable is a description of that which pertains to the kingdom of
God, His work of salvation of men; and this work is ac-
complished through the church. True, the Holy Spirit has gone
out into all the world; everywhere it is moving upon the hearts of
men; but it is in the church that we are to grow and ripen for the
garner of
God."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 70.
What will the Lord do before His return to cause the harvest
to ripen? Joel 2:23, 28, 32.
"If this prophecy of Joel met a partial fulfillment in the days of
the apostles [Acts 2:17,18], we are living in a time when it is to be
even more evidently manifest to the people of God."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 1175.
"Near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of
spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming
of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the
falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that
Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest,
'in the time of the latter rain.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
p.55.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I assure that I will be among the harvest of the
saved?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Tares," pp. 70-75.
107
"Behold, He Cometh With Clouds"
LESSON 13
Tuesday
June 24
Part 3
THE VINTAGE
Besides the harvesting of ripened grain, what other event is
to take place at the time of Christ's return?
"Another angel came out from the altar, which had power
over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp
sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clus-
ters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe" (Rev.
14:18).
In former times there were two harvests in Israel, that of
ripened grains in late spring, and the vintage in the fall when the
grapes were ripe on the vines. Jesus is pictured here using a
sickle for both crops. Here the two harvests are recalled to
represent, on the one hand, the gathering of the redeemed
whom God will take to His celestial granary and, on the other,
the sinners who will be cast "into the great winepress of the
wrath of God" (v. 19).
Then what is the significance of the vintage? Rev. 14:19, 20;
Joel 3:13, 14.
Whereas the harvest is entrusted to Him who is seated upon
the clouds—the Son of man—it is to an angel that the negative
work of condemnation is ascribed, represented by the vintage.
The angel who gives the order to gather the grapes has power
over the fire, by which the judgments of God will be poured out
on the earth. He comes out from the altar, under which are
found "the souls of them that were slain for the word of God,
and for the testimony which they held," who question impa-
tiently, "How long, 0 Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge
and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (Rev.
6:9, 10).
Whereas details of the harvest of ripened grain can hardly be
described more briefly, those given of the vintage make one
shudder. This is because these awesome particulars must serve
as a forceful warning to them who have not yet taken the mes-
sages of the three angels seriously.
With what figures did Jesus describe this same scene in His
parables? Matt. 13:41, 42, 47-50.
THINK IT THROUGH
Everyone will reap exactly what he has sown.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh
shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the
Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Gal. 6:7, 8).
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"The Net," pp. 122, 123.
108
"Behold, He Cometh With Clouds"
LESSON 13
Wednesday
June 25
Part 4
ON THE SEA
OF GLASS
Where did John see gathered those who were victorious
over the beast and his image?
"I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them
that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image,
and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on
the sea of glass, having the harps of God" (Rev. 15:2).
"Christ's true disciples follow Him through sore conflicts,
enduring self-denial and experiencing bitter disappointment;
but this teaches them the guilt and woe of sin, and they are led to
look upon it with abhorrence. Partakers of Christ's sufferings,
they are destined to be partakers of His glory. In holy vision the
prophet saw the ultimate triumph of God's remnant church....
" . . The vision of the prophet pictures them as standing on
Mount Zion, girt for holy service, clothed in white linen, which is
the righteousness of the saints. But all who follow the Lamb in
heaven must first have followed Him on earth, not fretfully or
capriciously, but in trustful, loving, willing obedience, as the
flock follows the shepherd."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 590,
591
Who are they who stand before the throne and before the
Lamb? From where do they come? Rev. 7:13-15.
"The heirs of God have come from garrets, from hovels, from
dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from
the caves of the earth, from the caverns of the sea. On earth they
were 'destitute, afflicted, tormented.' ... They stand before the
throne clad in richer robes than the most honored of the earth
have ever worn. They are crowned with diadems more glorious
than were ever placed upon the brow of earthly monarchs."—
The Great Controversy,
p. 650.
For what reason are the redeemed of earth clad in white
robes before the throne and before the Lamb? Rev. 7:14.
"The reason for the purity of the robes is given. The saints are
triumphant, not on their own account, but because of the vic-
tory won by Christ on Calvary. . . . The battle is against sin;
righteousness is the victory; Christ's righteousness has won the
victory; and upon accepting His righteousness sinners become
both righteous and victorious."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol.
7, p. 785.
"Those whom the Lamb shall lead by the fountains of living
waters, and from whose eyes He shall wipe away all tears, will be
those now receiving the knowledge and understanding re-
vealed in the Bible, the Word of God."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 970.
109
"Behold, He Cometh With Clouds"
LESSON 13
Thursday
June 26
Part 5
THE SONG OF
THE REDEEMED
What is the title of the song to be sung by the redeemed of
earth? Why is it appropriate?
"They sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the
song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works,
Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of
saints" (Rev. 15:3). (See also ch. 14:3.)
"The experience is of such a personal nature that only those
who pass through it can appreciate its significance. To them the
song is a treasured and comprehensive summation of the ex-
periences through which they have passed in the closing stages
of the conflict between good and evil."—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary, vol.
7, p. 826.
"Song of Moses.
This is undoubtedly a reference to the song
of deliverance after Israel crossed the Red Sea (Ex. 15:1-21).
That song celebrated the deliverance from Egyptian oppres-
sion; the new song, deliverance from the tyranny of 'Babylon
the great' (Rev. 17:5). . . .
"The deliverance of the saints was wrought by Christ, the
Lamb of God ... , and it is but natural that He should be adored
and exalted in the song of deliverance."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary, vol.
7, p. 836.
What are the words of the song of Moses and the Lamb?
Rev. 15:3, 4.
"God carries with Him the sympathy and approval of the
whole universe as step by step His great plan advances to its
complete fulfillment. . . . It will be seen that all who have for-
saken the divine precepts have placed themselves on the side of
Satan, in warfare against Christ. When the prince of this world
shall be judged, and all who have united with him shall share his
fate, the whole universe as witnesses to the sentence will de-
clare, 'Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.' Revela-
tion
15:3."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 79.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Cor. 13:12).
"When the redeemed stand in the presence of God, they will
see how shortsighted were their conclusions as to what heaven
records as success. As they review their efforts to achieve suc-
cess they will see how foolish were their plans, how petty their
supposed trials, how unreasonable their doubts. They will see
how often they brought failure to their work by not taking God at
His word. And one truth will stand out in clear lines: that posi-
tion does not prepare a man for entrance into the heavenly
courts."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 28.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 648-652.
110
"Behold, He Cometh With Clouds"
LESSON 13
Friday
June 27
Part 6
"EVEN SO, COME,
LORD JESUS"
In view of the wonderful promises given us, what should we
say and do?
"The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that
heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev.
22:17).
"Everyone who hears is to repeat the invitation [of Rev.
22:17]. Whatever one's calling in life, his first interest should be
to win souls for Christ. He may not be able to speak to congrega-
tions, but he can work for individuals. To them he can com-
municate the instruction received from his Lord. Ministry does
not consist alone in preaching. Those minister who relieve the
sick and suffering, helping the needy, speaking words of com-
fort to the desponding and those of little faith."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 822.
"Christ presents to us who are athirst the water of life, that we
may drink freely; when we do this we have Christ within us as a
well of water springing up into everlasting life. Then our words
are full of moisture. We are prepared to water others."—
Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 51.
What assurance does Jesus give to His church at the close
of His testimony? What should be our response? Rev. 22:20.
"Come, Lord Jesus.
This exclamation is John's response to
the testimony of Jesus, who assures the apostle that He is
coming quickly.... John was probably reminded of that night in
the upper room, more than half a century before, when he heard
Jesus declare, 'I will come again' (John 14:3). ... Now, while in
holy vision, John is given one last assurance that his blessed
Lord is to return, and that, quickly. This assurance comes from
the lips of his Master Himself, the faithful and true witness. His
heart thrills at the words, and with eager anticipation he looks
forward to the day when in reality, not in vision, he will see his
blessed Lord face to face."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7,
pp. 898, 899.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is my response to the Saviour's declaration, "Behold, I
come quickly"?
"Everyone who heareth is to say: Come. Not only the minis-
ters, but the people. All are to join in the invitation. Not only by
their profession, but by their character and dress, all are to have
a winning influence. They are made trustees for the world,
executors of the will of One who has bequeathed sacred truth to
men."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 207.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 302, 303.
111
Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Les-
sons for the third quarter of 1980 will be helped by the following outline in
studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is "Job, Pain, and
Healing."
First Lesson
A MAN GOD TRUSTED. Memory Text, Job 1:1.
1.
A Man Respected (Job 29:8-11)
2.
Humble and Honest (Job 31:5-8)
3.
Faithful to His Wife (Job 31:9, 10)
4.
Concerned About the Poor (Job 31:16-22)
5.
Not Ruined by Riches (Job 31:24-28)
6.
Loving His Enemies (Job 31:29, 30)
Second Lesson
WHEN DISASTER STRUCK. Memory Texts, Job 1:21, TEV; Job
2:10, TEV.
1.
Before the Storm (Job 1:2, 3)
2.
Trouble Brewing (Job 1:9-11)
3.
Tragedy Strikes (Job 1:18, 19)
4.
Initial Response (Job 1:20-22)
5.
Three "Friends" (Job 2:11, 12)
6.
A Light Grows Dim (Job 3:2-7)
Art and photo credits:
Art design by Ichiro Nakashima. Cover and lesson 2, Charles Zingaro,
artist, © PPPA; lesson 1, Clyde Provonsha, artist, © PPPA; lesson 3, Review Pictures; lesson 5,
Religious News Service; lesson 6, D. Tank; lesson 8, Harry Anderson, artist, © PPPA; lesson 9,
Eric Kreye; lesson 10, Hobart, A. Devaney, Inc.; lesson 11, Paul B. Ricchiuti, Ewing Galloway;
lesson 12, J. Byron Logan, Review & Herald; lesson 13, Peter J. Rennings, artist, © PPPA.
Lessons in 3raille
The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in
Braille and 16
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arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth,
cannot hold or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian
Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.
NERAL
sEssioN
Beginning April
'chase individual
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For a liMited time,
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